After a tumultuous 2025 campaign, Alpine is again targeting the “best of the rest” title, striving to finish ahead of the front‑running quartet while Flavio Briatore keeps the sleepless pressure on the Enstone outfit.
Flavio Briatore’s relentless push keeps Alpine midfield ambitions alive
Driver Franco Colapinto, the 23‑year‑old Argentine, describes Briatore as a “competitive animal” who will not rest until the team can close the gap to Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren. Colapinto says the 76‑year‑old’s directness is required for a midfield team to climb the grid.
Driver’s perspective on the man behind the fire
Colapinto says, “I believe in his process. You have to understand him.” He added that Briatore’s decision‑making and demanding communication style was what needed to move Alpine forward.
When Alpine scored a double‑points finish in Montreal – finishing sixth and eighth – Briatore was “almost the most unhappy person within the whole team,” Colapinto recalled. “He wanted more; he questioned why we were farther from Ferrari than in Miami and why Racing Bulls were closer to us.”
In‑race results meet off‑track expectations
Colapinto points out that the pressure Briatore puts on the team, even after successful outings, is part of his leadership philosophy. “By constantly pushing, the team has to improve,” he said, noting that this approach is vital for Alpine as it attempts to overtake Racing Bulls in pace and standings.
Despite the first half of the season showing notable gains, the driver admits Alpine still feels “unhappy just being at the front of the midfield.” He stresses that the progress is “massive,” but the team’s goals remain set higher.
Gucci sponsorship signals a new chapter
The partnership with Gucci for the following season is interpreted by Colapinto as a vote of confidence: “A prestigious brand would not ally itself with a back‑marker.” He believes the deal will supply the financial flexibility Alpine needs to partner effectively with its parent company, Renault.
While the 23‑year‑old is not yet contracted for 2027, he sees the Gucci announcement as a catalyst to achieve the next step. “Many great things are happening around us, and the deal with Gucci is one of those pivotal moments,” he argued, framing the arrival of the luxury label as proof that the team’s direction is right.
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