Flavio Briatore contradicts Alpine’s announcement that Franco Colapinto has signed a five-man race contract after replacing Jacques Douhan with the Emilia Romana Grand Prix this weekend.
After the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine announced that Corapinto will take Doohan’s seat in the next five races.
Colapinto’s promotion was always inevitable after joining the team at the beginning of the year and joining the team as a booking driver.
Argentina starred in a brief stint with Williams in 2024, replacing Logan Sargent at the Italian Grand Prix.
His form attracted the attention of Alpine and Red Bull, the former eventually signed him as one of the 2025 spare drivers.
Alpine’s statement when it was released the news revealed twice that Corapinto has signed a five-race contract.
Alpine writes: “We reviewed the opening race for the season, and we came to the decision to get Franco into the car with Pierre for the next five races.”
Later in the statement, they added: “The next five races give us the opportunity to try something different. After this period, we will evaluate our options.”
Briatore is now opposed to his team’s statement.
“I have to say, I was expecting more from Jacques Doohan – he might need a break,” Briatore told SkyItalia on Friday in Imola.
“Franco races whenever necessary – I’ve read somewhere that he has five races, but no, there’s no limit to his race. He needs to be fast, and the point, not crashing.
“If he does them well, he’ll drive forever.”
Briarthor deals with the Oaks departure
Team principal Oliver Oakes resigned just 24 hours before the Colapinto decision was announced.
Initially it was suggested that Oakes and Briatore had dropped out of Alpine’s driver lineup.
However, Briatore revealed from his Instagram account that his relationship with Oakes remains intact.
“His resignation came after Miami due to personal issues. When it happened, I didn’t expect it either,” added Briatore.
“This is a united team – there were rumours that I had an argument with Oliver, but that’s not true – we have a great relationship.”
