Alpine seek the new Alonso or the new Schumacher in Colapinto

Colapinto, the 2024 Formula 1 rookie, who impressed with nine strong outings for Williams in Formula 1 last season, has been signed by Alpine in what appears to be a strategic move orchestrated by Flavio Briatore. The Italian businessman, who remains influential within Alpine’s F1 operations, sees bright potential in Colapinto despite Jack Doohan being primed to partner Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season.

Colapinto’s induction into Alpine was marked by a special moment, as the 20-year-old posed alongside the iconic Renault R25. The car, which powered Fernando Alonso to his maiden F1 World Championship in 2005, symbolises a golden era for the French outfit.

That season, led by Briatore, Renault triumphed over McLaren and Kimi Räikkönen with seven victories, establishing Alonso as a dominant force in Formula 1.

Now, two decades later, Briatore’s ambition seems to be fuelling Alpine’s pursuit of young talent, with Colapinto emerging as a key figure in their plans.

Briatore’s eye for talent has drawn comparisons to his earlier success with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Joan Villadelprat, who worked closely with Briatore during his Renault and Benetton days

The F1 veteran shared insights on the DuralaVita podcast: "He knows what he wants. He looks at young talent and wants it at any price like he did with Schumacher. He was going to go for Colapinto because he is looking for the new Alonso, the new Schumacher."

For now, Alpine’s focus remains on the upcoming season, with rookie Jack Doohan joining Pierre Gasly in the race seat. Doohan’s potential has been met with scepticism from some quarters, but Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has called for patience.

Oakes explained in recent media comments: “There are harsh things written about him, but Doohan will get his chance,. Colapinto doesn’t intend to put pressure on Doohan. It’s to give the team more options for the future. We have to make sure we have the best players—not just now, but also in the future.”

Briatore’s influence on Alpine’s approach to talent management draws clear parallels to his past successes. The Italian famously secured Schumacher for Benetton after the German’s remarkable debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, leading to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Similarly, his management of Alonso culminated in two world titles for Renault, marking one of the team’s most successful periods in Formula 1 history.

Whether Colapinto will follow in the footsteps of Schumacher or Alonso remains to be seen. However, Briatore’s faith in the Argentine signals that Alpine is planning for more than just the present, aiming to recapture the glory days of their championship-winning past.