Flavio Briatore praised Franco Colapinto: 'He has the talent to be one of the best drivers'

Franco Colapinto is going through the best moment of his currently short career in Formula 1 and at Alpine they are already starting to envision a long-term project around the Argentine driver. After a solid start to the season, which included a sixth place in the Canadian Grand Prix and 15 points accumulated in just five races, the executive advisor of the team, Flavio Briatore, did not hide his enthusiasm for the current situation of the driver from Pilar and publicly praised him.

The Italian businessman spoke during the presentation of the new commercial agreement with Gucci, a brand that will become the main sponsor of the team starting in 2027. There, in addition to highlighting the team's growth, he dedicated some minutes to analyze the evolution of the Argentine and left positive signals about his future.

"Last year, Colapinto was criticized by everyone, and (people were asking) why he was going to sign Colapinto. Big mistake, Colapinto, this and that. But I believe that Franco has talent", Briatore assured. Far from his complicated 2025, the recent performances of the former Williams driver convinced the French team of his capabilities. In fact, Briatore himself was emphatic when talking about his potential: "Franco, honestly, I think he has the talent to be one of the best drivers".

The executive particularly emphasized the personal and mental growth that the Argentine has shown in recent months: "We spent a lot of time together, and when you talk to him, he is much more mature. Last year he was still a kid. There was a lot of pressure on him, because in every race you don't know if he will stay in the team, if he will be out, and so on. Now he is calmer".

Additionally, Briatore also used the Canadian Grand Prix as an example to highlight the Argentine's adaptability and competitive level. "In Canada, he did an excellent job. On Friday he did not participate in FP1 because he had a battery problem. Then he got in the car, qualified, and finished in the top 10. Things like that are not common, not for a driver who does that kind of thing", he explained.

Despite Colapinto's great results recently, for now Alpine only has the continuity of Pierre Gasly secured beyond this season, as the Frenchman has a long-term contract. However, the Italian left open the possibility that the driver from Pilar continues to occupy one of the main seats of the team in 2027. "For the moment, we have Gasly and we have Colapinto. I hope Franco keeps doing a good job from now until the end of the season", he stated.

When does Colapinto race again

After his historic sixth place in Canada, Formula 1 will cross the pond and land at the urban circuit of Monaco. The race in the principality will take place in two weeks, between Friday, June 5, and Sunday, June 7.

Schedule for the Monaco Grand Prix