Colapinto: Briatore's Ruthless Side Is What Alpine Needs to Progress

Franco Colapinto admits that Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, can come across as harsh. However, the Argentine driver believes the Italian's tough approach is exactly what the Enstone-based team needs to succeed in Formula 1.

After an extremely difficult 2025 season, Alpine is once again fighting for the 'best of the rest' title this year. The team's ambitions, however, go beyond just leading the midfield behind the top four teams. This is where the flamboyant Briatore plays a crucial role.

No-Compromise Approach

Colapinto recounted the most telling moment after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. Alpine scored a double points finish at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which would normally be considered a huge success. But Briatore's reaction was quite the opposite.

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"We finished P6 and P8 in Canada, those were amazing points for the team, but after the race Flavio was not happy at all and kept pushing the team. He was almost the most unhappy person within the whole team," Colapinto told Motorsport.com.

The reason for Briatore's discontent was the gap to Ferrari compared to Miami. Briatore wanted to understand why that was. "Everyone was really happy with the points, but he was like, no no, I want more. I don't like where we are and Racing Bulls is too close to us as well. They are closer than they were in Miami, so why is that happening? I want answers and I want to improve more," Colapinto added.

Colapinto describes Briatore as a "competitive animal" whose only goal is to bring Team Enstone back to the top. He believes Briatore's harsh leadership style is the way to succeed in F1, especially for a team trying to close the gap.

"To put that pressure on the team, even when things go right, it's his way of leading the team. And in my personal view, it's a way of succeeding in F1 and catching the top teams," Colapinto said. "Flavio is a competitive animal. He only came back to Formula 1 to win and I really appreciate that because I'm the same."

Colapinto also highlighted how the deal with Alpine and new sponsor Gucci shows they are on the right track. "Many good things are happening at the moment, new partnerships and a lot of things around us. The deal with Gucci is one of those things and an important one. So yes, I think it shows that the direction we are taking now is the correct one," he concluded.