Sun May 18 11:20:00 UTC 2025: **Alpine F1 Boss Briatore Contradicts Team’s Colapinto Announcement, Hints at Longer Run**
**Imola, Italy** – Just days after Alpine F1 team announced that Franco Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan for the next five races, new team leader Flavio Briatore has cast doubt on the duration of the Argentine driver’s stint. The initial announcement, released on May 7th, explicitly stated that Colapinto would be behind the wheel for the upcoming five Grand Prix, starting with this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
However, speaking to Sky Italy in Imola, Briatore suggested that Colapinto’s time in the car could be open-ended, dependent on performance. “Franco will race as much as needed,” Briatore stated. “I read somewhere that he’ll have five races, but no, there’s no set limit on his races. He needs to be fast, not crash, and score points. If he does them well, he’ll drive forever.”
The contradictory statements have raised eyebrows within the F1 community, leaving the length of Doohan’s absence uncertain and putting pressure on Colapinto to perform from the outset.
Briatore, now fully in charge after the recent resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, also addressed Oakes’ departure, citing a “personal issue” after the Miami Grand Prix. He refuted rumors of a conflict, stating they have “a great relationship.”
While Briatore’s role is currently without a specific title, he will be taking charge and, like days gone by, will bring the team back to World Title contention.
In other news, the Imola Grand Prix weekend is already proving eventful, with Colapinto receiving a grid penalty and involved in a crash during qualifying.
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