Alpine in shock! Briatore praises the talent of Franco Colapinto  

The world of motorsport has received some unexpected news: Flavio Briatore, one of the most influential figures in Formula 1, has publicly praised the talent of the young Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto. These statements have caused a stir in Alpine’s entourage, since Colapinto is not part of its driver academy, but his name is beginning to sound strong within the paddock.  

Briatore, known for his keen eye for spotting talent, was full of praise when discussing the 20-year-old’s performance. “Franco is a driver with extraordinary talent, he has impressive maturity for his age and absolute control of the car in difficult conditions. He is one of those youngsters who could mark an era in Formula 1,” said the former Renault boss.  

Briatore’s comments have taken many by surprise, especially at Alpine, where the driver development structure is in a phase of uncertainty. The French team’s young talent academy boasts promising names such as Jack Doohan and Victor Martins, but Colapinto’s emergence on the international scene has raised questions about whether Alpine is betting on the right drivers for the future.  

Colapinto, currently competing in Formula 2 with MP Motorsport, has shown impressive performances in the junior categories. His ability to adapt quickly to different cars and his aggressive yet precise driving style have caught the attention of several teams on the grid. Furthermore, his Argentinian nationality adds an additional appeal, as the South American country has not had representation in Formula 1 since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001.  

Rumours of a possible move between Colapinto and Alpine have gained momentum in recent months, especially after his outstanding performance in the young driver tests. However, his links to the Williams academy, where he has received support in his development, could complicate any immediate move. Even so, Briatore’s opinion could influence the Argentine’s future, as his voice continues to carry weight in the world of motorsport.  

Colapinto himself has reacted with humility to the Italian’s praise. “It is an honour to hear such words from someone with so much experience in Formula 1. I remain focused on my work and on improving every day. My goal is to reach F1 and show that I have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” said the driver in a recent interview.  

Meanwhile, Alpine is facing a crossroads. The team has struggled in recent years to establish an academy driver in Formula 1, and the possibility of Colapinto becoming a star without having gone through its development programme is a blow to its training strategy. In contrast, Williams appears to have made a smart bet by backing the young Argentine talent, which could strengthen its line-up in the future.  

The impact of these statements could go beyond Alpine and Williams. Other teams could also start paying more attention to Colapinto, especially those looking for new blood for the upcoming seasons. The Formula 1 grid is constantly evolving, and drivers with the Argentine’s potential do not go unnoticed for long.  

For now, Franco Colapinto’s future remains uncertain, but what is clear is that his talent has been recognised by one of the most influential figures in the history of motorsport. If he continues to demonstrate his quality in Formula 2, it would not be surprising to see him make the jump to Formula 1 sooner than expected. Alpine, whether shocked or not, will have to keep an eye on him.