Briatore praises Colapinto's 'strongest race' in Zandvoort after solid Dutch GP

Flavio Briatore saw Franco Colapinto driving his 'possibly best race this season' in Zandvoort, after he finished just shy of the points.

In Friday’s team principals’ press conference, the Italian manager talked about Franco Colapinto, following a comparison with Pierre Gasly.

"I think I see everything already, I don’t need to see anything anymore,'' Briatore told about the former Williams driver.

"It’s difficult. For this driver, it’s very difficult to cope with this car. These cars are very, very heavy, very quick. And for a young driver to [be] put in Formula 1, maybe it was not the timing to have Franco in Formula 1. Maybe he needs another year or two."

The Argentine driver, who is yet to score points this season, managed to deliver a strong weekend in the Netherlands, finishing just outside the points.

His result at Zandvoort provides a welcome confidence boost ahead of the final nine races of the season, with Alpine relying on him to help climb out of last place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Flavio Briatore during press conference in Zandvoort

Briatore praises Colapinto's race in Zandvoort

Speaking after the race, Briatore this time had praise for his driver, acknowledging his strong performance: ''Starting from outside the points, we took some risks throughout to try and maximise our chances to score.”

He then added: ''He drove a very good race, probably his strongest this season so far”.

After fifteen races, Alpine remains on 20 points in the Constructors’ Championship, less than half of the team just ahead, Haas. For Colapinto, it will be important to score points alongside Gasly, while awaiting clarity on the lineup the French team will have in 2026.

The season continues with the Italian Grand Prix, where the youngster made his debut for Williams the previous season.

Read also

Briatore admits: 'Maybe I missed something with Colapinto'

Alpine announces new driver for FP1 in Monza