Colapinto backs Briatore's ruthless leadership as Alpine chases F1's elite

Franco Colapinto has defended Flavio Briatore's hard-nosed leadership at Alpine, insisting the executive advisor's ruthless demands are exactly what the team needs to escape Formula 1's midfield trap. Despite leading the chasing pack in 2026 after a dismal 2025, Alpine is learning that Briatore views points finishes as meaningless if the gap to the front isn't shrinking.

Why it matters:

Alpine has long been trapped between F1's elite and the backmarkers, and Colapinto argues that only an uncompromising figure like Briatore can break that cycle of mediocrity. With Racing Bulls overtaking Alpine in both pace and the standings before the summer break, the team's self-proclaimed "best of the rest" title is already slipping away just when it needs momentum most.

The details:

• After finishing P6 and P8 at the Canadian Grand Prix, Colapinto revealed Briatore was furious rather than satisfied. He demanded answers for why Alpine had lost more ground to Ferrari compared to Miami and why Racing Bulls had closed the gap.
• The 23-year-old called Briatore a "competitive animal" who returned to F1 solely to win, arguing that this relentless pressure is necessary for any midfield team with genuine ambitions of catching the top four.
• Alpine secured a major commercial victory with Gucci set to become title sponsor in 2027. Colapinto sees the deal as proof the project is heading in the right direction, offering financial flexibility that reduces reliance on parent company Renault.
• Despite his pride in the team's recovery this season, Colapinto admitted nobody at Enstone is content with midfield leadership, especially as Racing Bulls now sits ahead in the standings.

What's next:

Alpine must use the summer break to halt its decline and prove Briatore's demanding approach can deliver concrete progress against the front-runners. With Gucci's backing set to bring fresh resources from 2027, Colapinto will also be fighting to secure his own future at a team where good results alone may no longer guarantee survival.