Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has admitted the team may have mismanaged Franco Colapinto’s early Formula 1 career, acknowledging the young Argentine has been carrying excessive pressure that has hindered his performances. Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan mid-season after the Miami Grand Prix, has struggled to adapt to the A525 and remains point-less since his race debut with the Enstone squad.
Why it matters
Colapinto's struggles highlight the immense mental and performance pressure faced by young drivers in F1. Briatore's admission points to a potential misstep in driver management, suggesting that teams must balance high expectations with the human element of their young talents.
The context
- Mid-season change: Colapinto was brought in to replace Doohan, with the aim of sparking progress.
- Experienced teammate: Paired with Pierre Gasly, Colapinto faces constant scrutiny to match his teammate’s pace.
- Briatore's concern: "Maybe we put too much pressure on him... we need to consider sometimes that the driver is a human being."
Briatore questions timing
Briatore went further, suggesting Colapinto might have been rushed into F1 before he was fully prepared, especially given the strong benchmark set by Gasly.
- "Maybe it was not the right timing to have Franco in Formula 1, maybe he needed another year."
- Briatore expressed dissatisfaction with the results, stating, "It's not what I expect from Colapinto."
Vowles' perspective
Williams boss James Vowles, who gave Colapinto his F1 debut last season, echoed the sentiment that pressure is a significant factor in a driver's performance.
- "When the pressure is not there you're able to get a lot more out of the driver."
- He cited Colapinto's stellar performance at Silverstone when told to relax and enjoy the moment.
- Vowles also noted the razor-thin margins in F1 today, where "three tenths now separate the grid," making small mistakes costly.
What's next
With Alpine acknowledging mistakes in handling its rookies, the team faces a critical decision: provide Colapinto with the necessary support and breathing room for growth, or consider further changes before the season concludes.