Flavio Briatore hits out at one ‘garbage’ rumour about Franco Colapinto after tough start at Alpine

Franco Colapinto achieved his best result since signing for Alpine at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Alpine currently sit bottom of the constructors’ championship after 10 races, although Franco Colapinto will be positive about how his latest race weekend played out.

Colapinto has struggled to match Pierre Gasly since replacing Jack Doohan at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

However, the Frenchman finished last in qualifying, while the young Argentine was promoted into the top 10 after a penalty to Isack Hadjar.

Colapinto came home in 13th despite coming out on top against Alex Albon in a fierce battle on the opening lap.

Nico Rosberg suggested Colapinto was racing for his future at the Canadian Grand Prix, and Alpine chief Flavio Briatore has responded to how his first four races with the team have gone.

Karun Chandhok thinks Alpine have downgraded their driver line-up recently, but Briatore is dismissing any claims that the Argentine is under any sort of pressure.

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Flavio Briatore calls Franco Colapinto swap rumours ‘garbage’ after the Canadian Grand Prix

Briatore was asked in an interview with Argentine outlet La Voz del Interior what he thinks about the ‘rumours’ about Colapinto’s relationship with Alpine, and he simply answered: “What rumours?”

The interviewer clarified that they were talking about the fact Colapinto is ‘constantly’ being evaluated, to which the Italian chief explained: “I don’t think there are any rumours.

“The team is fine with Franco, and that’s it. Franco is part of the team, I don’t know what rumours they are talking about.”

Paul Aron’s name was then brought up to Briatore about the Estonian potentially replacing Colapinto, and Briatore’s stern response to that question was: “The problem is that the press publishes a lot of garbage. It’s your fault, not ours.

“All these things come from Argentina and the people there. You should blame yourselves.

“You don’t have to ask me because you are the ones who put so much s–, that Franco this, and Franco that; it’s up to you.

“In fact, if you go on like this, it’s not good for Franco either. You have to support Franco, not push him, if you are professionals and you want to take care of him.”

It was then put to Briatore that Colapinto is therefore not facing any deadline over his position within the team, and he confirmed: “I already told you that the deadline is for you.

“We need to support Franco, he is a young guy, he is a good asset for Argentine sport, he is doing well, we need to support him and in Argentina they need to support him too, forget the rumours. If there are rumours, ask me.”

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Franco Colapinto faces an uncertain future despite Flavio Briatore’s backing

Briatore is notoriously cutthroat when it comes to his drivers, and Colapinto could learn that sooner rather than later.

Aron is extremely highly rated within Alpine, but whether he ever gets the chance to compete in Formula 1 is yet to be seen.

There are also plenty of drivers outside of the Alpine set-up that would be happy to replace Colapinto if given the chance.

Alpine have been linked with Sergio Perez, who is aiming to return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.

Briatore will need to move sooner rather than later for the Mexican, considering Cadillac are keen on Perez ahead of their Formula 1 debut.

Colapinto is still level on points with Doohan in the drivers’ championship, but his performance in Canada was the first sign that he can match Gasly going forward this season.