The controversial deal that puts a 2025 F1 driver at risk already

[@maxmagnus3793]

The pressure is building on Doohan. He could be replaced by Colapinto at any time. Briatore could use that pressure in interesting ways. For example, he could demand that Doohan crash at an opportune moment during a race to bring out a red flag that would help Pierre Gasly

[@douglasgoldzapata]

😂😂

[@Mogeli]

What an outlandish theory. I see no basis whatsoever that Briatore would ever consider doing something as extreme, and unsportsmanlike like as that... again

[@sissyspaceship]

🤣

[@MrBlazemaster525]

😂😂😂

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Wouldn't put it past him, I mean, he's done it before! 😏

[@samthomas6045]

Alpine couldn’t organise a child’s birthday party. Handicapping your new rookie before he’s even started….amateur hour.

[@johncitizen306]

Signing him was the real mistake

[@crushcuz]

@@johncitizen306 how? he had a better junior career than franco and has had one race in a less upgraded car than his teammate. Franco caused as much damage as sergeant did in his 9 races for williams and only had a few strong performances. Jack worked tirelessly to get the seat doing extremely long hours on the sim during race weekends and being at the track for every race last year. Its absolutely ridiculous that people just assume jack is horrible and will never be good enough based off abu dhabi (which if you saw the onboards you would see he was driving extremely cautiously so that he could keep it clean and not show alpine he was like franco in that he crashes alot)

[@Mrjd182]

@@crushcuz Doohan was signed before Briatore got to Alpine. Briatore does not like Doohan. That is the underlying reality there.

[@Mexxx65]

@@Mrjd182 I don't like Flavio Briatore......that is the underlying reality.... (Nelson Piquet Jr.)

[@akcsamiru]

@@crushcuzsorry pal, but for once luck has joined south america again. Good bye

[@digitaldeathsquid3448]

"Breaking news: Alpine F1 rejects its own junior drivers" Stay French, Alpine. Classily French.

[@TheRnbf]

Flávio briatore isn’t French

[@nabster9253]

Romance language speakers are just incompetent in general

[@killianweisedesbois]

This team is anything but French

[@joaom2057]

@@digitaldeathsquid3448 perhaps being tottaly French isn't a god thing

[@Bearer_of-Light]

flavio briatore shouldn't even be in the paddock after crashgate. But money talks

[@okuhtttf]

largest piece of sht to ever be in the paddock, I don't understand the French and frankly never will, Alpine/Renault's decision making is something out of comic strips. Firing team leaders who actually made the team better and swapping drivers almost every single season and blowing up a near perfect and very competitive engine production in the space of 10 years and then still having Flavio in the midst of it all is pure chaos with a sprinkle of doom. These decisions don't have any order or meaning. I deadass am not sure why the hell they made this decision

[@leod9968]

Yes, money talks. It applies to all teams. Welcome to F1.

[@WouldWorkforWoodWork]

Lifetime ban obviously doesn't mean what I think it does.

[@PhazerSC]

@@WouldWorkforWoodWork his lifetime ban was unfortunately overturned in courts in 2010

[@WouldWorkforWoodWork]

@@PhazerSC That's right! I had forgotten about that. But then again, I don't really put any effort into remembering anything about that person, other than what he did.

[@aslamnurfikri7640]

Flavio Briatore clearly wants Colapinto in Alpine and he will do anything to achieve that. Jack Doohan was just unlucky

[@laurainesnuccetelli2710]

Not only that, Jack has not shown to be fast, and youtobers ranking Jack as The least promising rookie didn't helped his cause for sure... Franco has shown to be fast, and not to crash can be taught, but fast can not...

[@Mexxx65]

@@laurainesnuccetelli2710 Jack is not fast? He was fast enough to beat Liam Lawson in F2 regularly.....

[@laurainesnuccetelli2710]

@Mexxx65 he was a late bloomer, F1 doesn't like late bloomers, look at Drugovich...

[@laurainesnuccetelli2710]

@@Mexxx65 we all trusted Oscar becouse he was The rookie champion of F3 and The rookie champion of F2. I'm sure he can be F1 world champion. Look at Hadjar, he is second in F2 on his second season and everybody doubts him too... His seat is not safe either.... And youtobers allso rank him low on being a promising driver....

[@Mexxx65]

@@laurainesnuccetelli2710 I don't know of a recent rookie (F2 driver) that was put under as much pressure to perform, than Oscar Piastri. Now that title goes to Kimi Antonelli. Given the team he is in, and the support he will get from the team, he should do well. As far as Jack, Gabrielle, Isack, Oliver, Franco....all will struggle to stay in F1.

[@guilhermefonseca1562]

Big gaffe saying Mini was 2024 F3 champion...

[@definitely_not_nick41]

Shows how reliable the info they provide is on here

[@eoincassin4265]

How was Jack allowed to race for 5 races with a cracked chassis?? Surely that is a safety risk given that the survival cell has a known defect. What if he had a massive shunt that caused the chassis to completely fail in that spot, leading to injury or worse??

[@deadmarch101]

Cracks in chassis are common

[@y.a.p8951]

where do they keep them and at what point of the race they smoke them? 😂

[@brianboniuk1072]

We talking future predictions or just pre-season delusions here?

[@IanLoughead]

@@brianboniuk1072 Watch the video before you comment I guess?

[@brianboniuk1072]

@@IanLoughead I did, thanks for clarifying.

[@shawnc5188]

Flav is being Flav. I was actually more surprised that Alpine’s 2025 reserve driver pool includes Ryo Hirakawa, who has driven the 2024 McLaren and 2024 Haas, so his technical feedback could be crucial for Alpine’s F1 progress in 2025. Hirakawa is also a double WEC champion, and could jump from Toyota to Alpine LMH in 2025. For Colapinto, he does add some pressure to both Doohan and Gasly. But it’s likely Flav is looking more towards 2026 than this year.

[@definitely_not_nick41]

Alpines drivers have already been confirmed for WEC, Ryo will remain at Toyota

[@finlaymcsporran3578]

2:01 Gabrielle Mini finished second in F3*

[@Max_Flashheart]

Jack Doohan knows the what he has to do. Impress and be close to Gasly and not crashing would be ideal. It will help his value even if replaced just like Franco.

[@bap1496]

Easier said than done

[@definitely_not_nick41]

At this point I don’t even think winning or getting podiums in a projected shitbox would save him

[@LexLuthor1234]

Exactly, he has a shot at it now, and it is up to him to show what he can do. If he does so satisfyingly, then he can not unlikely secure his seat. This said, Flavio B is not exactly known for being mr nice guy or playing it fair, so doohan needs to hope that he doesnt suddenly get an oddly slow car vs gasly, or has poorer pit stops at key moments than his teammate, to help force the narrative and way in for colapinto.

[@Berolll]

Vowles is such an underrated team principal. His managment skills are on a top level

[@rnosibZ57]

So Alpine in 2022 had the choice between 3 drivers with Alonso Piastri & Ocon and theyve now lost all of them and are now trying to push out a driver they just signed and hasnt even had a proper season with them. Good management Alpine please do continue

[@Mexxx65]

Yes

[@leod9968]

I have the feeling that Scott is not impressed by what Colapinto achieved on his short run as a Williams driver. He certainly made mistakes but I think he maximized his opportunity. He only had a Young Drivers test, a Free Practice 1 and nine races to learn and perform what most other young drivers do in a whole season (sometimes, two seasons or even more), plus thousands of miles of private testing prior jumping into the current car. Even though Doohan only has one race under his belt, he's still more experienced than Colapinto. He's been with the team for a long time and he was granted the opportunity to test many times with Alpine previous-spec F1 cars. He definitely needs to show what he's made of. By the way, Gabriele Minì is not the 2024 F3 World Champion, he was actually the runner-up.

[@adityaagarwal130]

Last time Alpine had 2 drivers fighting for 1 seat, they lost both in the same week (Alonso and Piastri) I feel like history will repeat itself.

[@HDB1974]

This will be a sponsorship\money thing. I reckon Colapinto has a ton of South\Central American sponorships now that Perez is out of the question.

[@bigbean69420]

it's honestly hilarious how terrible Alpine is. the fact that they seriously think THIS is a good move, really drives the point home that they do not know how to make decisions. feel bad for all Alpine F1 investors

[@crushcuz]

it would make sense if the driver they were pressuring jack with was a proven commodity but we got 2 or 3 good races from franco and a whole lot of crashes... anything but a proven driver to me

[@alejandritopisani]

Barcelona signed Messi when he was 12. Lakers drafted Kobe when he was 18 (something unheard of at the time). This looks like a good move. Doohan, after 3 years or being a reserve driver and getting lots of hours in F1 cars....qualified behind Colapinto (who had an unfortunate broken floor) in Abu Dhabi with a faster car. And then finished dead last in the race. Plus, Doohan has the charisma of a priest and 0 sponsors. Not only this looks like a good move, but a no brainer to me.

[@richardn3387]

Sponsorship will be tough. Ricciardo left and sponsors like Optus either have to outbid Piastri's existing sponsors to keep visibility in their market, back Doohan or back Lawson who at least is in their region. Presuming they don't keep paying Ricciardo for a couple more years to be in ads and it's unclear how quickly his star will fade.

[@Moray2023]

Was Colapinto even that good in the end?

[@Bearer_of-Light]

no

[@theempires5]

He did well. Better than Sargent

[@whyareyoureadingmynickname8158]

He was better than Sargeant, but that's not a high bar to clear. I don't think that he's a bad driver but he's getting way too much hype and it's a little annoying.

[@laurainesnuccetelli2710]

mmmm... What Briatore saw in Franco was he is fast! Yeah, he crashes, but not to crash can be learn... Poor Jack is said has been doing badly in simulator and tests, being slow.... And to be fast can't be learned.... Jack coming from a welthy family makes him close to a pay driver, remember he was rejected by Red Bulls junior academy... And to be clear, all The English speaking youtubers ranking him as The least promising rookie didn't helped his cause....

[@guidogalvalisi8510]

Hard to tell, the car was barely put togheter with old parts (his and his teamates own fault's), probably even trickier to drive than usual. He seemed to be flying in qualy in vegas until....you know. The he got crashed in the last 2 races so it is what it is. And apparently the telemetry in every race shows that he is for sure fast, at least for a while. Will see if Jack can match that pace while not crashing

[@opposedscroll7596]

I get the feeling that Oliver Oakes is just a puppet for Flavio Briatore

[@equinox7839]

I am a bit surprised that Williams let Colapinto leave, because there's always the risk that Sainz might leave after the next season, if he gets an offer from a better team.

[@oscaraldana32]

The two greatest shames of the formula one: the tobacco rebranding, and the celebrated comeback of Briatore.

[@ricardopetrere]

2:05 F3 VICE-champion, you meant. Hey, don't do my boy Fornaroli like that, he won fair and square, at the last corner of the last lap of the last race

[@definitely_not_nick41]

Yeah I didn’t understand, even before Mini’s DSQ, Fornaroli still won the title

[@craig.watson]

Perhaps a left-field take, but I can't help but think that this is to position the team for a sale. Colapinto's financial backing and Latin American fanbase are both concrete bulletpoints if you're making a sales pitch about what solid foundations you've got for the next owner to build upon.

[@SiVlog1989]

Although there have been times when the disgraced former team principal has got it right, Michael Schumacher for example, there has also been occassions where his, lets just say his bristley personality has unnecessarily put drivers under pressure when the car is clearly not good enough. Jenson Button was a case in point. Having been placed at Benetton on loan from Williams, Briatore nearly ruined Button's career, humiliating him in public whenever he (in his view) under performed, like calling him a playboy and the slowest driver on the grid and heaped the pressure on him, which only made more mistakes happen. It seems like Red Bull were inspired by Briatore as they have similarly been ruthless about drivers when they under perform as well, indeed Horner has admitted to being onspired by Briatore

[@NathanBoardman19]

Nice to see him wearing his dad's design on the helmet.

[@gethinap]

This switch eases the pressure on Albon and places a burning cauldron over Doohan. Also I wonder if Williams will promote or sign a replacement for Colapinto or rely on Bottas if they need a replacement during the season.

[@timmartland01]

We have seen countless examples of good drivers taking at least half a season or more to bed themselves into a new team/car and get comfortable. Alpine on the other hand? "Hey Jack you are a rookie. Here's two maybe three races. We already have your replacement lined up. Good luck". In regards to Colopinto, he looked good when there was no pressure on him, then he started to try and impress and ended up not looking very good.

[@LexLuthor1234]

yep, but the alpine will likely be a somewhat easier car to drive fast than the williams of last year, meaning he might have to overdrive it less to stay competitive and impress, which i agree he probably sought out to an counterproductive degree, come the end of last season. But Colapinto, even with his later crashes, did show that he has the speed and skill to compete in f1 didnt he? And from a pr and sponsorship pov he is likely one of the best packages around out there too, which also matters. So though mounting this sort of early pressure on doohan is harsh, doohan is an unknown, and having a ready and more proven sub in colapinto, who also probably has more commercial and pr value, should JD not be up for it, does make sense for the team. They need to give JD a fair shot at it though, so 7-10 races, at least, where Doohans car, pit stops and race strategies arnt fiddled with to make way for colapinto.

[@TheChosenRed]

I never knew Sainz actually said no to Alpine 😮

[@hugolouessard3914]

It used to be a thing until the 90's, or a bit in the 2000's, but having 2 drivers (or even 3) for the same seat can be a good thing. Give them both a number of races in different conditions to know what they can do and decide for 2026, since 2025 is a transition year for Alpine (again) and they don't have anything special to play for. By giving 12 races to each driver, or at least a few to Colapinto, they'd both have experience and Alpine would have the data to judge whether Doohan is their 2026 n°2 driver, or if Colapinto is better. Could work

[@puertoricanvtec]

The fact Franco has a multi year contract and Jack only has a 6 race contract should say all you need to hear.

[@folarinakinloye3046]

"Making signing Sainz a mistake"? Really?

[@KLAASTAD]

Bros carrer in more danger then LA

[@Luke22SV]

Blessing in disguise that Mick wasnt given that seat

[@guilhermefonseca1562]

Mate, I don't think Mick will be back on F1

[@hfbloke706]

copium lol

[@bubblewrapvillain]

Mick is not F1 material. Vowles was right.

[@Luke22SV]

@@guilhermefonseca1562 yeah true but better off not coming back at all than being condemned to being sacked by Alpine is what i mean

[@Moray2023]

​@@guilhermefonseca1562 The problem with Mick was crashes. He cost the team €142,000 per race. Franco cost €493,000. Both couldn't beat below average team mates. Neither driver are F1 material then.

[@longovercoat]

0:31 controversial decision? That’s an understatement 😂😂😂

[@RaulDiFondi]

Doohan was signed before Briatore arrived full time to Alpine. He wanted Franco before Doohan, that's why he as a perfornance contract for 5 or 6 races (not counting Abu Dhabi). Maybe the kid do it good on those races, who kows?

[@aliakseimemelau3]

On an unrelated note. Your team graphics shows teams still in 2023 CC order. Maybe it's time to switch to a current order?

[@Murphs37]

I'd be interested to know how many of these contracts cover what Alpine becomes from 2026 onwards...(Likely Hitech) As we know from the Piastri saga, these contracts are often managed....interestingly

[@Jocw27]

Alpine signed Doohan too early because they were traumatized by Piastri's leaving But Doohan isn't Piastri, he wasn't going anywhere. They should have waited too see what oportunities they'd have

[@CharlesLambert137]

Anyone who is in a professional career, whether it be athletes, executives, models, actors, etc., knows that there are many, many others ready to take their position. If Doohan is worried about who may succeed him, he has already failed. I highly doubt any F1 driver is looking over their shoulder.

[@edenkim4103]

You’re too rude to Doohan, Give Colapinto a seat in 2026 or later

[@3starskiwi]

Flavio is from that old school Piranha club era. Ruthless but it works. Let's see.

[@Mexxx65]

And what exactly is he trying to achieve now? Jack Doohan was a dedicated Alpine academy driver, that would have undoubtedly helped Alpine get their car up to pace, given the chance. Franco has no interest in Alpine.

[@selder_7]

The path at Williams is much clearer for Luke Browning now

[@Mexxx65]

Lol

[@barrybbq1]

Why is Briatore allowed back into the sport?

[@liukin95]

I feel sorry for Doohan. He wasn't my pick for that Alpine seat anyway, but he's had to wait for a while and has worked hard in the paddock to get this seat, and despite doing an ok job in AD, I don't think this pressure is justified at this time. If maybe after 6 races, he's not performing and Gasly is miles clear, give him a fair warning and if he doesn't improve, put Colapinto in. But of course, Briatore doesn't operate like that!

[@pedelibero]

Alpine playing silly buggers with their drivers yet again, cos that ended so well for them last time, losing both Alonso and Piastri. As for Briatore being allowed to be anywhere near F1, don't get me started.

[@sflittlefish5]

Both drivers at alpine have appendixes. Makes his chances of getting a weekend drive a lot higher.

[@mikosoft]

Remember when everybody was looking weird at Vowles for signing Colapinto? Now Colapinto is a hero and everybody suddenly wants him. And another thing, you mentioned in the video that Colapinto seemed like pun. James Vowles is a very rational data driven person. If he called on Colapinto, it's because he saw the data. He doesn't make random or punny decisions. And apparently his data were correct.

[@jamesmack3122]

Just when I thought Alpine couldn’t possibly be more Alpine they step up and deliver a DTS banger

[@benstevens645]

Wait, Mini wasn't F3 champion was he? Wasn't that Fiornaroli?

[@definitely_not_nick41]

Yes it was Forna, Mini was runners up

[@AndrewinAus]

Briatore should never have been let ANYWHERE near F1 again let alone such a position of power at Alpine. Unless as some have suggested before he was brought in to pump up the team before it is eventually sold off. To essentially set Doohan up to potentially fail after he has given a fairly good account of himself thusfar does leave a bad taste in the mouth.

[@54_ocram46]

Gabriele Mini isn't a F3 champion. Leonardo Fornaroli was the 2024 F3 champion.

[@phrous]

Is rumored that doohan signed contract for 6 races

[@aaron_ow]

It's VCARB with Ricciardo and Lawson all over again. I hope for Doohan's sake that he hits the ground running, otherwise it's going to be a painful season for him.

[@matthewpotter8491]

Clearly Franco has been promised a seat in 25. Why else would he have left Williams? They’re clearly not sold on Doohan and it’s obvious he will have some performance clause. Hope he does will, but will be amazed if he’s in the seat come the summer break.

[@GrettaGeorges]

Thank you for your videos! They are always so high quality and interesting. I can see that you are professionals.🎣💟🌌

[@D4rthyyy_]

It’s all in Jacks hands now just got to hope Alpine provide the machinery to get it done

[@atn_holdings]

I love this lol. Some jeopardy, some intrigue!

[@flightsimdev]

It's one thing to be fast and crash a lot and another entirely to be fast and not crash, in the short time he was in Williams, he did more damage in that time, then their previous 2 years complete, so for me, I know he is fast, but I doubt he will turn heads apart from the commentators screaming out "Colapinto is into the wall" Doohan just needs to get a few points and not crash.

[@somefrog6089]

Mistakes can be fixed with experience. You can't learn speed.

[@crushcuz]

@@somefrog6089 thats not entirely true. but franco's overall pace was not as good as everyone is hyping it up to be. definitely not so much that he should be replacing jack after 5 races

[@somefrog6089]

@@crushcuz I don't care about hype. His pace was great. Always kept up with Albon. Jack deserves a chance, he's earned it, but he's never shown much potential.

[@gallagherii]

In reality you need to look at crashes to understand what was his fault and what was circumstantial.

[@thisisfaka]

It's not like that, with your concept Verstappen would be picking up tulips in the Netherlands

[@hanswurst6712]

If Doohan performs well he has nothing to worry about.

[@tdyerwestfield]

Being a far bigger MotoGP fan than F1 fan, I'm hoping Doohan does well.

[@ASJR]

COL got that SEN hair.

[@redsaints]

Company boss makes decision that is in the best interests of his multi million dollar company and not an employee. In other news, the HR department is not your friend.

[@tdyerwestfield]

I think it's more likely things will get toxic with Gasly than Doohan.

[@ill_Gates]

If I'm replacing Doohan with any of the reserve drivers I'm picking Paul Aron. While Franco did a decent job when he stepped in last season I honestly believe Paul is a better driver with a better race craft.

[@leod9968]

The problem of Aron is not his race craft but his mental strength. Most F2 drivers can jump into an F1 car and drive. It's important that they can cope with the pressure too and that's where I see Aron can fail.

[@ill_Gates]

@leod9968 why do you say that? I completely disagree with the opinion. Last season was his first season in f2 and he was a complete unknown who ended up leading the championship for a good amount of time and ended up coming in 3rd behind Hadjar who was in his 2nd season and Bortoleto who is one of I think 5 drivers who won the f3 and f2 championship their rookie season. Paul only got better as the season progressed.

[@javierper3z]

Everyone fighting for that title, meanwhile, Flavio is making his own reality show inside Alpine.

[@ianriggers]

His name is Dozy Sargent not Logan Sargent

[@vorno102]

Good guy James Vowels, we should all be more James Vowels.

[@bernardoberner4]

Not even Red Bull handled their drivers this badly

[@RJD2809]

It's good to have Flavio back

[@panjimoulana]

It's not a (huge) threat, instead more likely an inconsistent decision

[@Andrew-vx2ls]

Has FB taken over the management of Colapinto perhaps?

[@elisterr9913]

But Franco Colapinto is not even the fastest reserve driver in Alpine. :) He's just got a few races under the belt with Williams, but he'd be 2nd best reserve driver at Alpine at best.

[@Mexxx65]

3rd at best....

[@BeautifulBCHomes]

Don’t think Colapointo is a threat to be a top 10 driver. Looked a bit out of place out there this past year. Crashed like 3 times as well.

[@MaxFiveGames]

Doohan is done. He was way to slow. All the other rookies when they came in you can see the potential and the speed right away (mistakes as well of course). But Doohan on the other hand... was SO damn slow. I give him max half the season until he WILL be replace by Colapinto.

[@joshcaminski]

This is just Briatore being Briatore, it's not new

[@vishalvenkat6074]

So who would be Williams' reserve drive if something happens to Alex or Carlos? Will it be Colapinto or someone else? And if its Colapinto then what would happen if both Alpine and Williams require a reserve driver for the same race?

[@aydankhaliq2967]

The most Briatore move ever.

[@Frameton.]

Well we'll see if this pushes doohan or keeps I'm down

[@0iq105]

I have to predictions for mid season transfers first Franco in jacks seat and hear me out Drugovich will replace lance this or next season

[@vinnie4v277]

I think Williams is the best team for the drivers. They always treat their drivers well, and they give them a chance. They do whats best for their driver without stabbing themself in the back.

[@joaom2057]

Why Alpine when drop Seargent did not put Dohan in the car?

[@thisisfaka]

Since when Sargeant did race for Alpine? 😮

[@joaom2057]

@@thisisfaka you are right. I was thinking in Williams but the question doesn't make sense any way.

[@nessuno5403]

"Agreement" must be: if Sainz leaves to a top team by 2026 as he could, Colapinto returns to Williams

[@88Frank]

Meh good move for Collapinto and pressure on Doohan but isn't there always

[@PhillipMuchiri]

Jack has until the Miami GP to prove himself. After that nothing is assured.

[@NehalBiswas-rm7xq]

Doohan should sack his manager (Briatore) and wait for the perfect opportunity.

[@Lapichant]

Doohan could be within a tenth of Gasly every race wnd they would still replace him

[@Acers2K]

everything would've be solved if colapinto had performed during his few drives.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

"...his, and/or his team's interest". (But mostly his.)

[@alessandrohudson5221]

Flavio Briatore drinks from the same fountain of Hemult Mark drinks. What aggressive contract!! But obviously he's aiming giving a seat to Franco and I think it is the best option, looking for good results and retaking the Alpine's employees confidence (few know how stressing is working on a project which there's no result). Jack Doohan is a good driver, but Franco (regardless whether some guesses he being a hype) is outstanding.

[@AndrewinAus]

Outstanding, when he is not putting it in the wall completely destroying a car perhaps.

[@JacquelineVanRyn-k3l]

I'm confused about where the confidence in Franco is coming from? He kept up with Albon, sure, but he crashed more than even Sergeant did and cost the team millions.

[@joaom2057]

Because unlike Seargent, Colapinto was from the beggining very fast. Crashes happens always with rokies. Being fast is by far more important.

[@somefrog6089]

Albon costed Williams the most in damages, yet he's considered better than Sargeant. Why? Because he drives better and scores points.

[@JacquelineVanRyn-k3l]

@@joaom2057 so this is normal? 2024 was my first season so I don't really know the intricacies. So is speed considered over reliability then?

[@CryptoInsightsLab]

Because he shows consistent speed. That's what counts most for a rookie. Remember that Max was called Crashtappen when he entered F1. But his insane speed justified it, knowing he'll mature and crash less. Not saying Colapinto is as fast as Max, but he has raw speed. Second he has heavy financial backing. So the crashes are less of a problem if added sponsor money offsets the cost.

[@joaom2057]

@@JacquelineVanRyn-k3l Both things are important, but from the begining being fast its fundamental. A young driver can build from there. There are extreme cases of very fast but non reliable drivers like Vittorio Brambilla or Pastor Maldonado. They dont last to long, But even those won gps. The other way around i do not remember any name.

[@hecksters423]

Classic Briatore move.

[@Aubergineman18]

Im Scared What is Briatore planning 🤔

[@Mexxx65]

To completely disassemble Alpine, and its Alpine driver academy. Flav knows best. Right.

[@Mexxx65]

Alpine for you..... Alpine 2022/23 - we are proud to announce the signing of one of our very talented academy drivers, Oscar Piastri. Oscar 2022 - Shows Alpine his middle finger.....stuffu!! I am off to drive for McLaren buddy... Alpine 2024/25 - We are proud to announce the signing of one of our very talented academy drivers, Jack Doohan. Alpine (5 races into the 2025 season) - Shows Jack their collective middle finger!!!! And says to Jack, we never really wanted you in the seat, we always wanted Franco Colapinto from the start of the season. What goes around for Alpine. We undoubtedly go around once more.

[@Javadamutt]

Why is the assumption that it's a target on Doohan? Gasly is just as likely to leave for a better opportunity, Briatore has always looked to the future and possibly think Gasly, while a solid midfielder doesn't have what it takes to get the team to the next level. Doohan was Alpine's reserve driver this could be nothing more than bringing in a replacement for that role, they get to assess him themselves to see if he is the genuine article and if they suddenly need a driver then they have someone up to speed and a potential way to break him fully away from Williams

[@Mexxx65]

Flav knows FU all about F1 these days.

[@Javadamutt]

​@@Mexxx65 Exactly, Britore knows nothing about a lot of things. Even back in the Benetton (90's) and Renault (00's) days he knew very little about F1 or running a team which is why he was so successful. Britore's success came from the fact he knew nothing about the area he was in so used his real talent in persuasion to surround himself in advisors and the best experts in that particular field so he could make an informed decision. He knew nothing about design so brought in Barnard, he knew nothing about driving so poached Schumacher from Jordan. Any time he doesn't know something he gets someone who does which is why he is so effective.

[@Mexxx65]

@@Javadamutt ...but he's a crook. And brought the sport in disrepute...and was rightly kicked out of it. Effective you say?

[@Javadamutt]

@@Mexxx65 and.....? Never gonna argue what he done was wrong or the punishment wasn't fitting but what has it to do with the price of fish? Just because Crashgate happened doesn't suddenly mean everything that happened before is wiped off the face of the earth. He still built Benetton from the ashes of Toleman and achieved success again after when Renault took over. The fact he is back in the sport after being permanently banned is again testament to his ability to manoeuvre and spin a situation to his advantage.

[@nathanb286]

Imagine having your job at risk after doing just 1 race

[@rhysgordon1698]

can we like give jack a fuckin chance first?? Ive NEVER heard so much talk of replacing a driver before they've begun.. He's done ONE race... Like honestly, if you dont want him, let him go do something else. dont drag him through the mud and make him out to be this incompetent driver just because he isnt max verstappen...

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Performance metrics in the contract: beat Gasly, both in qualy and races 6/6. It's now 1/6 and he's losing.

[@smol9832]

Alpine needs his money. Only that 😅

[@MUCKLEECH]

If you're going to say Alpine like a Frenchmen, you'd better start saying Ferrari like an Italian. It's totally ridiculous that English speakers have been making this exception for them , especially when the French team is named after the Alps, and it's literally in their logo. Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia all share the Alpine arch, and I guarantee if ANYONE besides the French are talking about the mountains , no one else is calling them "ALPEEN".

[@MrAlex-]

I’m not so sure about this

[@SamuelSantos_]

Don't hate the player, hate the game. In 1991 Roberto Moreno finally had a place in a good team only to be replaced mid-season by some 22-year-old rookie called Michael Schumacher, who had impressed in his one and only appearance until then. It was very harsh on Roberto Moreno, but Flavio Briatore made the right choice by choosing Schumacher and Franco Colapinto is now in a similar position. I'm not saying he's as good as Schumacher obviously, but he impressed hugely in his limited appearances and earned Alpine's interest.

[@crushcuz]

yeah franco impressed with the 2.5 million pounds of damage he did in 9 races

[@AndrewinAus]

Franco certainly impressed some of the advertisers, getting their signage on TV in replays .....riiiiiiiggggghhhhhtttt before he hit it.