La Derecha Diario Formula 1: Flavio Briatore revealed that Alpine will seek to finalize a new signing
Alpine is seeking a new director, and their arrival could define Colapinto's and Gasly's futures, amid a key stage for the team during a complete restructuring process
Looking ahead to the upcoming races, Alpine will seek to make internal changes that could modify not only the team's working structure but also the immediate future of its main drivers. The team, in the midst of a transformation process, is close to appointing a new team principal, a decision that could directly influence the direction of Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly.
It was Flavio Briatore himself who made the news public. He confirmed that the team is already searching for a replacement for Oliver Oakes, who resigned unexpectedly at the beginning of May, shortly before Colapinto took the place of Jack Doohan. This move apparently did not please the executive, and his departure left a significant void in the sporting structure.
Since then, Briatore has temporarily assumed that position, although without an official contract. On paper, Dave Greenwood is listed as the team's representative for administrative matters, but in practice, the experienced Italian executive is leading the team.
In this context, during the lead-up to the Spanish Grand Prix, Briatore was categorical: "We are looking for a replacement. We don't want to make mistakes. I'm willing to take my time, but as soon as we make a decision, we'll announce it," he stated.
His words reflect that the change will not be merely a formality. The person who takes over will not only fill a vacancy but will also have the responsibility of outlining the team's immediate future, which will directly impact the drivers' situation.
How this measure will affect Colapinto and Gasly
The role of the new principal will be key in making sporting decisions. One of them will be to determine how many more races Franco Colapinto will have at the wheel of the A525. Currently, the Argentine driver doesn't have his continuity secured, since his incorporation was initially planned for five races. In Spain, he competed in the third of that cycle, and only has Canada (6/15) and Austria (6/29) left.
Starting in July, Alpine will evaluate his performance to decide whether to extend his participation until the end of the season or just a few more events. Everything indicates that this evaluation and the final decision will be the responsibility of the future team principal.
As for Pierre Gasly, his situation is also conditioned by this appointment. He still hasn't renewed his contract and is considering offers from other teams. A solid reinforcement in the sporting direction could convince him to stay; on the other hand, a wrong choice could accelerate his departure.
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