Former Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg has expressed concern that Franco Colapinto’s time at Alpine may be limited if the rookie doesn’t start performing better soon. The Argentine has been driving for the team since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which is now led by Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. However, according to Rosberg, Briatore is ‘ruthless’. The former world champion, therefore, advises the rookie to quickly regain his ‘form at Williams’.
So far, the best result of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend for Franco Colapinto has been seventeenth during the third free practice. The Argentine, who made his Formula 1 debut amidst much fanfare, has yet to make a real impression in the A525 of Alpine. His best result so far for the French team was a thirteenth place during the Monaco GP. This needs to improve, warns former F1 driver Nico Rosberg, if Colapinto wants to keep his seat at Alpine.
“Franco is really driving for his future this weekend in Canada,” the 2016 world champion told Sky Sports F1. “He’s had a few races now, and overall it’s been a struggle for him. However, Flavio Briatore is ruthless and will throw you out of the team without thinking twice.” The Italian businessman joined Alpine in May 2024 and has since taken over the duties of departed team boss Oliver Oakes.””Colapinto needs to regain the form he had at Williams,” Rosberg advises the rookie. “He did so well last year, and he really needs to find that form again. It’s certainly possible, so let’s hope he finds it this weekend.” The Argentine driver replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams last season, and scored points twice. Colapinto is currently without points at Alpine.
Adjustment
Colapinto himself admitted earlier on Thursday in Montreal that he is struggling to adapt to the characteristics of the A525. “The car is very different to drive (than the Williams, ed.), and I still have to get used to it. I didn’t feel comfortable with everything – with the tools in the car, with the set-up. One thing was fighting against the other. Once we realized that after the race in Barcelona, it made a lot more sense to me.” The Argentine is therefore optimistic about his chances during the rest of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
