Alpine F1: Briatore wants to "experiment" from 2025, and targets driver profiles for 2026

Colapinto: a start far from expectations. Franco Colapinto is only 21 years old, but he is already facing his first true test. Propelled into Alpine F1 to replace Jack Doohan starting from Imola, the Argentine benefits from solid sporting, political, and financial support, but his performances are being closely watched. And for now, they are struggling to convince.

In Imola, the rookie crashed right during the debut weekend. In Monaco, he barely made an impact. Then in Barcelona, despite finishing the race, he ranked 15th while his teammate Pierre Gasly reached Q3 and secured a commendable 8th place. The contrast is striking, and Flavio Briatore did not hesitate to highlight it, while publicly maintaining his confidence: « He crashed on the very first race weekend. To say I was satisfied would be a lie. »

But also: « Franco is still in the adaptation phase. I am satisfied with the way the drivers and the team are investing themselves to get out of a difficult situation. »

An intentionally vague strategy for 2025

Briatore's message is clear: 2025 will not be a year of stability, but a season of transition. Alpine's advisor wants to test different options, even if it means disrupting the established order. The objective? To be ready for the major regulatory change in 2026, with a solid, experienced, and high-performing duo.

« 2025 is a year where we must prepare for 2026, to have the best duo. So, whatever experiments I want to conduct, we will do them. »

In this context, Franco Colapinto has no guarantee of finishing the season. The uncertainty maintained by Briatore regarding his future fuels speculation.

« I don't know at the moment if Franco will stay for the season or not, but we'll see. We only look at performance, nothing else. »

Bottas, Perez, Schumacher... experienced profiles in the spotlight

As Colapinto prepares to compete in his fourth race this weekend in Canada, several names are already circulating for 2026, or even for an early arrival if the results don't follow. Sergio Perez, at the end of his contract with Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas, whose stint with Sauber is coming to an end, and Mick Schumacher, currently a reserve driver at Mercedes and Alpine endurance driver, are on the radar.

All three have experience in F1, a technical background, and knowledge of high-level structures. For a team in crisis like Alpine, which is struggling this season to stay in the top 8 of constructors, the arrival of a leader or a stable driver would be a lever for recovery. Briatore did not seek to deny: « If Colapinto performs well, he drives the car. Otherwise, we'll see. »

A test season, a team in reconstruction

Since the beginning of the season, Alpine has faced a series of disappointments, both on the track and internally. Pat Fry, Otmar Szafnauer, Alan Permane: the key figures of the project were ousted in 2023. The appointment of Briatore as executive advisor marked a more authoritarian shift, but the results have yet to follow.

In this context, the drivers become adjustment variables. Gasly, under contract until the end of 2025, stands as a pillar. Colapinto, on the other hand, is fighting for his place at every Grand Prix. And behind them, others are knocking on the door. The human and sporting management of this transitional period will be decisive for Alpine's image and competitiveness.

Canada, full-scale crash test

The Canadian Grand Prix could mark a turning point. If Colapinto shows a resurgence in form, he will consolidate his place. Otherwise, he could become the symbol of a project undergoing a complete redefinition.

Briatore said it bluntly: « We only look at performance. » In an ultra-competitive F1, learning has its limits, especially when rebuilding involves making strong decisions.