While the break in the Formula 1 fuels speculation about the driver market for the 2027 season, Flavio Briatore once again referred to the future of Franco Colapinto at Alpine. The executive advisor of the French team praised the growth of the Argentine, although he made it clear that, for now, the team's main concern is far from the choice of its drivers.
In an interview with The Race, the Italian official explained that the immediate goal is to regain the team's competitiveness before considering possible changes within the lineup. In that sense, he explained that the team is going through an internal reconstruction process and believes that it must first consolidate its structure before seeking renowned figures. "You have to incorporate the driver into the team at the moment you believe that driver will bring you that great difference of two or three tenths. Right now, we have to build the team", he commented.
"We need to foster trust among the engineers, we need to create complicity among everyone. Don't forget that we arrived at this team and it had 1,200, 1,300 people. Now we have reduced to 900 people. Today my priority is to build a racing team. That is the priority", he added.
When specifically talking about Colapinto, the Italian highlighted the evolution he has shown since his arrival in the top category. "This is his first experience, his first year in Formula 1. And from last year to this year, he is improving 100%. You never know how a young driver evolves. Let's see what the future holds, but for now, the truth is, the driver is not my priority".
The statements come at a time of uncertainty regarding the grid formation for 2027. Colapinto still does not have his continuity assured beyond the next season, although Briatore's public support and recognition of his progress reinforce the confidence that Alpine maintains in the Argentine driver while working to solve the performance issues of the A526 to fight for the top positions again.
The praise for Gasly
In that same interview with The Race, Briatore also had words of recognition for Pierre Gasly, whom he placed among the best drivers in the category. "I think if we talk about the best six drivers, I think Pierre is among the six best. We just need a better car, more confidence here at the factory, and that is what we have to do now".
In that sense, he ruled out that Alpine needs to go to the market in search of a star to make the leap in quality. "Of course, when you need the greats, two tenths make the difference, but why not Pierre? Why not the driver we already have?", he stated.
When Colapinto returns to race
After the race on Hungarian soil, Formula 1 will take a break for the summer holidays. In that sense, the category will return in one month with the Dutch Grand Prix. The action at the Zandvoort circuit will kick off on Friday, August 21 with a single free practice and the Sprint qualifying, and will close on Sunday, August 23 with the main race.
In his only appearance on Dutch territory driving in the top category, Colapinto finished just outside the points zone in 11th place.
