Franco Colapinto, Formula 1 driver for the Alpine team, has reflected on the intense conversation he had with Flavio Briatore, featured in the new season of _Drive to Survive_ on Netflix. After taking on the role of second driver in the middle of the 2025 season, Colapinto has had to face the pressure of competing alongside his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
The second episode of the eighth season focuses on the difficulties the Alpine team faces in achieving results, and includes a tense exchange between Briatore, Colapinto, and Gasly. At a key moment, Briatore expressed his frustration, stating: “Between the two, Pierre has been better. Now we have to score points.” Colapinto’s response to this criticism was that they could try to make adjustments to their car, but Briatore interrupted him, insisting that the responsibility for performance lies with him and he needs to improve.
Before the start of the 2026 season, Colapinto commented on his experience with Briatore, making it clear that despite the tensions, the team director has been a great support for him. “Flavio has been very helpful at all times and has given me a great opportunity that I am trying to make the most of,” he said.
The Argentine also acknowledged that he hadn’t seen the moment when the discussion took place, but emphasized the importance of understanding the pressure all team members are exposed to during race weeks. “People often don’t understand the amount of pressure we all bear in a race week; it’s not just the drivers who suffer from it,” he concluded.
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