Briatore Challenges Colapinto to Maintain Miami Momentum

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has laid down the gauntlet to Franco Colapinto, challenging the Argentinean driver to consistently replicate the stellar performance that secured his career-best seventh-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix.

Despite utilizing a different chassis and running an upgraded car that lacked a new rear wing—due to only one being available in time for the race weekend—Colapinto demonstrated remarkable competitiveness. He crossed the line in eighth position but was subsequently promoted to seventh following a post-race penalty handed to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Alpine's Push for Constructor Supremacy

Briatore was quick to praise the young driver's execution while emphasizing the broader team objectives.

"Franco has rounded off a really good week where he has performed at the level we expect him to at every race weekend," Briatore stated. "The car is competitive and it is these performances we need week in, week out from both drivers and the entire team for us to meet our objectives."

The Alpine executive advisor also highlighted the team's current standing and their relentless focus on forward momentum. "We are P5 in the constructors' championship and we are looking forwards and not backwards on what we can achieve. We have a lot to review in the two weeks before Canada, especially in regards to some of the new items on the car which might not have given Pierre the performance uplift we expected."

Colapinto Reflects on a "Perfect Weekend"

For Colapinto, the Miami result was more than just a headline finish; it represented the culmination of a flawlessly executed three days.

"I think since I got to F1 it’s been my most perfect weekend," Colapinto reflected. "I am very happy with the weekend – it’s been executed really well. I think I maximized every session and we scored strong points. So it’s been a weekend for all of us to be really proud of, and we will try to get better in Canada."

The Argentinean driver was effusive in his praise for the Alpine factory, acknowledging the immense effort required to deliver the crucial upgrades following the April break.

"The team did a very big effort to bring new parts for the cars, bring upgrades, new chassis," he noted. "It's been very hectic in the factory in this break, but very useful and very proud to have got that performance back that we need and to show the speed of the car this weekend has been very positive."

Finding the Sweet Spot

Colapinto emphasized how the newfound pace transformed his race weekend experience. "When you have the pace, suddenly everything becomes much easier and not being on the back foot. It's been much better this weekend and felt very strong."

Despite the significant changes to the car, Colapinto reported a familiar feeling behind the wheel, attributing his improved performance to the comprehensive upgrade package.

"I feel very similar [in the car] to be honest – on my side, not much changed. I’m just very grateful to the team for all the new bits, the upgrades, the new wings, the new chassis that came – it’s all been very helpful and I think that really helped me to find my feet a bit better and find more pace."