Slow but sure Alpine It is a team that is finding its way back to the top of the Formula 1. Historically he knew how to be a dominant champion, either under the name of Benetton with Michael Schumacher or as Renault with Fernando Alonso. They went through many names and many pilots, but today they are a team that belongs to the squad of the middle. Neither as bad nor so good. And for the main investors of the team that has to change, because nobody likes to be average and the maxim aspires to greatness.
So, What is the plan to return to the top? In great stations, you must first recover the figures that starred those years of glory. Second, make a dominant car. Third, have pilots capable of adding points and fighting to win championships. But like everything, the saying is easier than the fact.
The first point was covered with the return of Flavio Briatorethe Italian tycoon who managed the success of the team and its pilots. The second is aimed while waiting for changes in the regulation by 2026. And the third is the one that is bringing many problems and uncertainties.
When Briatore was incorporated again to Alpine but also to formula 1 in general, the French team had Pierre Gasly y Esteban Ocon as its regular pilots. Today the latter wears the colors of Haas And the first is a pilot with years of experience in the maximum, summarized in 154 large awards, 4 podiums and a victory. Since December 2024 it is Jack Doohan Beside him, a rookie who played five races and who still couldn’t find the rhythm.
The accidents and the lack of speed of the Australian began to generate tension within the team that wants to be part of the champions. There is a sector of the team that is willing to bet on Doohan and its evolution as a pilot, while the other would not hesitate to replace it. Because so many years inside the great circus they taught Briatore to be prepared to make drastic decisions. That is why Alpine has not one, or two, but three reserve pilots: Paul Aron, Kush Mainiand the public’s favorite, Franco frankntoto.
The Argentine pilot joined the French team in January of this year, a process fully managed by BriTore, and since it was officially announced, the great unknown is: when can you see it above the car?
Since the season began, every minimum error or stumbling of Doohan makes the image of Colapinto and a possible replacement appear. But Alpine’s boss, Oliver OakesHe is determined to continue betting on the Australian. In one of the many times they asked about his continuity, Okes was overwhelming: “His future? No, he is simply running as always. It is with us, it is a resounding yes. Leave it alone!“.
And he even mentioned the rumors about the Argentine. “There is a bit of restlessness, of course. Jack is working well, he is well. He is keeping calm and focusing on himself. There are many rumors about Franco (Colapint), but for now we are satisfied“He said in conversation with Sky Sports.
On the other side, Briatore always showed his interest in developing the Argentine’s career within Alpine. “He is a very good pilot, he already has some experience and we believe in him. We fight to have it in the team and for the future. It is the most important project for us”Said the Italian tycoon.
Who has the final decision? According to Oakes statements in F1Planet.com, “Flavio is above all”. Thus he explained how the hierarchy works within the team, where the head is made up of Oakes, Briatore -as executive advisor -and Luca de Meo -the renault group -, Oakes made it clear that Flavio has the last word. “He has been there, he has done it, he has the shirt and I think it is very clear that the alignment there between me, Flavio, and Luca,”.
This was one of the conditions imposed by the Italian when he organized his return to F1. “After 15 years outside Formula 1, I kept some races watching them on television. One day I called Luca. I told him that I was very sad to see the team in these conditions, because it was my team. I created this team. I built the factory and there they won world championships “he said in an interview with Motorsport.
He added: “I told Luca: Let me see if possible. If I still have the same book I had before, to form this team. And we started talking. But there was a condition, I wanted to be in command completely“.
His plan is clear, to do what he always did, which is to completely turn the situation of a team to get to victory. Even Oakes stressed it: “Look, he has been twice on this team, and twice he has turned it.”
“We did it with Benetton. We did it with Renault. If you see what we did in Benetton, Renault was the same movie, we just changed the actor,” said Briatore. “In Benetton, the actor was Michael Schumacher and in Renault the actor was Fernando Alonso. Now we have to make another movie, but we still don’t know who the actor will be“.
While the team leader votes for Doohan, Briatore has collapint ready to upload it when needed. And on his side is also from Meo, who revealed to The thirteen That the incorporation of the Argentine was a great play. “I am very happy that Franco has arrived in Alpine, I think he will be one of the pilots of the future of Formula 1 because he has a lot of talent and I know how much the Argentines want it. Let’s take advantage of its popularity because it is good for the brand“He said.
Now – and as always – it only remains to wait and see who makes the final decision to bet on the future of Alpine and both pilots. Colapinto will be present in Miami for the next Grand Prix That it will be played within two weeks, and in the meantime, the team regrouped at its Estone headquarters to analyze all the ups and downs of the last triplet of racing and, why not, a couple of things rethink.