Colapinto Opens Up About His Relationship with Briatore

Colapinto has revealed how Briatore has helped him become stronger mentally during a challenging F1 season.

Colapinto stepped into Alpine, replacing Jack Doohan after a disappointing performance at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May, following a move from Williams during the winter.

Despite the change, Colapinto has yet to score a point, with his best finish being 11th place at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Colapinto currently ranks 20th in the driver standings, while his teammate, Pierre Gasly, ranks 16th, scoring all 20 of Alpine's points this season.

Alpine is struggling at the bottom of the constructor standings, trailing Haas by 24 points.

Colapinto discussed Briatore's tough approach in an interview with the Beyond the Grid F1 podcast, recorded before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend.

'I have a very good relationship with Flavio,' said Colapinto. 'He's tough on everyone, and his way of making the team work hard and motivating people - sometimes it's a bit tough and sometimes it feels a bit over the top if you don't know him.'

'But he's someone I trust a lot, and someone I believe will move the team forward. He will help the team get back to the top, so I've learned a lot from him this year.'

'He's made me a lot stronger mentally. I'm very grateful for the opportunity he's given me, of course, but also for the whole process we're going through.'

Briatore publicly criticized Colapinto, stating he was 'not satisfied' with the driver's performance ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix in late August.

However, by the end of the weekend in Zandvoort, Briatore was praising Colapinto after what he felt was 'maybe his best performance' of the season.

Briatore has narrowed down the team's choices for their second F1 seat in 2026 to a direct battle between Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron.

Colapinto insisted he's not letting himself get distracted by thoughts of his future as he fights to retain his place on the F1 grid.

'I don't know, and I'm not too focused on that. I think I want to keep building on this year. There's still a lot to learn and a lot for me to find,' he said.

'I feel better in the car and in the team. Of course, it's no secret that the car is not in the position we want it to be and not good enough to score points yet.'

'The time will come, and I want to be ready for it. That's my main focus right now, to take it race by race and moment by moment, and see where we'll end up.'