In a dramatic twist to the Formula 1 driver market, Alpine's new executive advisor, the formidable Flavio Briatore, is reportedly setting his sights on young Argentinian prodigy Franco Colapinto. This potential move signals the start of a major overhaul for the struggling French team.
The 21-year-old driver, currently competing in Formula 2, has suddenly become one of the most talked-about talents in the paddock. His stock rose exponentially after a sensational private test with Williams at Silverstone earlier this week, where he turned heads with his raw pace and adaptability.
Briatore's Masterplan Begins To Take Shape
Since his surprising return to a position of power at Alpine, Briatore has been tasked with one objective: revitalise the team. Known for his eye for talent and no-nonsense approach, the Italian mogul is seemingly wasting no time. Identifying Colapinto as a future star aligns perfectly with his reputation for backing young, hungry drivers.
This interest places Colapinto in an incredibly powerful position. While Williams is also believed to be considering him for a future race seat, the aggressive pursuit from Briatore's Alpine creates a potential bidding war for his services.
The Silverstone Test That Changed Everything
The catalyst for this flurry of interest was Colapinto's performance in the 2022 Williams FW44 at the British Grand Prix circuit. Behind-the-scenes reports suggest the Buenos Aires native was immediately on the pace, delivering consistent and impressive lap times that impressed the Williams engineering team.
Such a performance in an older-spec car is a significant testament to his skill, proving he can quickly extract performance from an unfamiliar machine—a critical trait for any aspiring F1 driver.
What This Means For Alpine's Current Line-Up
Briatore's courtship of Colapinto sends a clear message to Alpine's current drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Ocon's impending departure at the end of the season was already public knowledge, but this move intensifies the pressure on Gasly.
The team's performance has been well below expectations this season, languishing near the bottom of the constructors' championship. Briatore's arrival, and now his interest in Colapinto, indicates that no seat is safe as he prepares to rebuild the team from the ground up.
For Colapinto, the path to a Formula 1 dream is now clearer than ever. Whether he lands at Williams or becomes a key part of Il Padrino's Alpine revival, the F1 world will be watching his next move closely.
