Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has issued a stark warning about Franco Colapinto’s Alpine future uncertainty amid increasing pressure from team boss Flavio Briatore. Patrese compared Briatore to a “WWII bomb” that could explode unexpectedly, threatening Colapinto’s place at Alpine as the young driver struggles to deliver results in 2025.

Colapinto joined Alpine after impressing at Williams last year but has failed to score points in his first six races this season, placing his position at the team in jeopardy. Despite initially being signed on a five-race deal, reports indicate Briatore’s impatience is growing, with Colapinto’s continued presence under serious threat.

Unpredictable Leadership and Rising Pressure on Colapinto

Riccardo Patrese, who has firsthand experience racing under Briatore’s management, underscored the unpredictability surrounding the Alpine boss’s decisions. Patrese expressed concern that Briatore’s approach could lead to sudden changes that catch drivers off guard.

“Anything can happen with Briatore,” said Patrese. —Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver

“From my point of view, he is like a bomb that can explode at any minute, a Second World War bomb that you discover in some places around the world which goes off,” he added. —Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver

These remarks highlight the tense environment Colapinto is navigating at Alpine, where the team leadership’s volatile style may heighten the young driver’s challenges.

Colapinto’s Initial Promise and Current Struggles at Alpine

Franco Colapinto gained attention by stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams for the final nine races of 2024, impressing with two points finishes in only four races. However, all regular 2025 seats were already claimed, forcing him to accept a reserve driver role at Alpine before being promoted mid-season to replace Jack Doohan.

Since his promotion at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Colapinto has struggled to find form, failing to score any points after six races and experiencing multiple crashes, including a significant qualifying incident at Imola and another at the recent British Grand Prix, where he could not start the race.

Colapinto’s Position Remains Precarious Amid Team Demands

Patrese made clear that Colapinto’s future at Alpine is far from secure, highlighting that Briatore is unlikely to offer support to improve the driver’s confidence or performance.

“With Colapinto not performing and making accidents, he can have a problem with Briatore, who won’t help with a driver’s morale. So Colapinto in this moment is not safe,” said Patrese. —Riccardo Patrese, Former F1 Driver

One of Briatore’s explicit conditions for Colapinto’s continuation at the team was avoiding frequent crashes, but the 22-year-old has failed to meet this expectation. His string of incidents raises questions over how long the Alpine chief will tolerate subpar results.

Colapinto’s initial contract after Miami was reportedly limited to five races, and with that period now surpassed, speculation is mounting over whether Briatore will extend or terminate the agreement.

Impact on Alpine and Potential Outcomes for Colapinto

The uncertainty surrounding Franco Colapinto Alpine future uncertainty reflects the intense pressure and high stakes within Formula 1 teams competing in 2025. Briatore’s management style and the driver’s inability to capitalize on his opportunity could lead to a sudden termination, affecting both Colapinto’s career trajectory and Alpine’s driver lineup plans.

Moving forward, the outcome of this situation may serve as a pivotal moment for Colapinto and Alpine alike, highlighting the volatile nature of team dynamics when early performance targets are not met.

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