Jack Doohan does not get a point out as Flavio Briatore reveals that Alpine’s second driver in 2026 will both be Franco Colapinto or Paul Aron.
Since changing Doohan, who was dropped after 6 races – 4 greater than Liam Lawson was given at Pink Bull – Colapinto has proved to be a little bit of a moist squib.
Granted, the Alpine is the worst automobile on the grid by far, however nonetheless the Colapinto we’ve got witnessed so far isn’t the identical man that took the paddock by storm with Williams final yr when he changed Logan Sargeant, however fairly the considerably hapless model concerned in quite a few incidents later within the season.
Aron, a former member of the Mercedes Junior Crew and third within the 2024 F2 championship, signed as reserve driver for Alpine in November final yr and has taken half in two FP1 periods, one with the French group the opposite with Sauber (Hungary).
Talking to The Race, Briatore mentioned the selection is between these two drivers.
“It is between Franco and Paul,” he mentioned. “Paul is a really good man, a really fast driver as nicely. And I want to grasp what’s the finest for the group, you understand?”
The Italian is adamant that the selection will likely be primarily based purely on efficiency.
“I imply, I haven’t got any curiosity with anyone,” he mentioned. “Earlier than the individuals have been driving me mad, complaining as a result of I used to be managing 50% of the drivers. Now, I do not handle anyone.
“I do not care,” he insisted. “I haven’t got any curiosity. My solely curiosity is to strive to absorb the group the perfect driver accessible and do the perfect job with us. It is so simple as that.
“I want one other one or two races to see, however truthfully immediately I do not know which one.”
Aside from slamming the door on Doohan, Briatore’s feedback seem to rule out the thought of trying elsewhere alongside the pitlane, say at Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson.
“I do not see every other chance,” mentioned Briatore. “We see different ones, however we do not really feel something… the great guys go ‘increase’. I bear in mind when Schumi was in Group C with Sauber, he gained each race…
“GP2 was the identical,” he continued. “Hamilton was bam, bam, bam… Fernando was driving Components 3000 or no matter and he was profitable each race.
“I bear in mind testing Fernando. I put Fernando in Minardi and Giancarlo referred to as me and mentioned: ‘I’ve by no means seen stuff like that’. Now, take away Max. The remainder?”
