Briatore states that Colapinto's return to F1 is not a 'priority.'

      "The main focus is to have a high-performance car"

      Flavio Briatore, the team advisor, asserts that making Franco Colapinto a race driver is not the "main focus" for Alpine. There is rampant speculation that Jack Doohan, whose performance and errors are under close examination, is only assured a seat for the first six races of 2025—or possibly even fewer. Meanwhile, Briatore appears to favor the well-supported Argentine Colapinto, 21, who was introduced to the team on a lucrative loan from Williams.

      "Colapinto? Let’s wait and see," Briatore told La Stampa. "The main focus is on securing a high-performance car that can compete with the four major teams: McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari."

      In the interview, the 74-year-old recounted his return to the paddock, offering to assist Renault CEO Luca de Meo in revitalizing the once-competitive Enstone-based team. Briatore implied that, for now, Doohan might actually be the more sensible choice.

      "It’s not just about placing a young driver in a car," the Italian stated, "because they have to handle everything else—the pressure, the interviews, the criticism, and the 100,000 spectators in the stands."

      Briatore pointed out that Liam Lawson, for example, was not prepared to handle the attention at Red Bull. As for Doohan, the Italian publication noted that he is the son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, with Lance Stroll also being an F1 driver with a prominent father.

      "(Lawrence) Stroll has his own team and is a different situation," Briatore responded. "Regarding Jack, being Mick’s son doesn’t guarantee success if he isn’t competitive. Every driver is fast, of course, but it’s not an easy task."

      Briatore is keenly anticipating the upcoming years for Alpine. "We are at the starting point," he said. "We began from a significant deficit, and we will only have the complete Mercedes engine and gearbox package in 2026.

      "In 2026, we need to be competitive, but the ultimate objective is 2027." Lastly, Briatore expressed his support for Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who continues to face allegations of sexual misconduct from a female staff member.

      "Today, F1 is so focused on the media that you even have to be cautious if you’re in an elevator with a woman," he remarked. "In terms of misconduct, we have swung from one extreme to another. I’m not implying that things were better in the past, but we require something fair and just."