Alpine’s Briatore Questions Colapinto Hype Amidst Buenos Aires Crowd Claims
Flavio Briatore has publicly challenged the scale of enthusiasm surrounding Franco Colapinto, arguing that the Argentine driver’s record does not yet justify the reported half-million-strong demonstrations in his home country.
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has cast doubt on the magnitude of public adulation for driver Franco Colapinto, pointing to the racer’s absence of race victories as a primary indicator of the disconnect between hype and performance. Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast with host Tom Clarkson, Briatore expressed scepticism regarding reports that approximately 600,000 fans gathered in Buenos Aires to witness the driver.
The former Benetton and Renault boss stated he found the logistics of such a massive turnout difficult to believe, noting that a crowd of that size would likely see little more than the backs of heads. “I never believed it,” Briatore said, suggesting that while he could accept figures of 10,000 or even half a million, the practical reality of such a gathering was questionable. He emphasised that in Formula One, success is measured strictly by results, a metric where Colapinto currently lacks a win.
Despite the blunt critique of the driver’s public profile, Briatore acknowledged Colapinto’s “massive raw talent.” The Alpine executive advisor, who is currently involved in navigating the team’s ongoing rebuild, offered specific technical advice to the Argentine. He urged Colapinto to cease obsessing over the telemetry of his teammate, Pierre Gasly, and instead rely on his own instinct when driving the car.
The comments highlight the pressure facing Colapinto, who is managing a challenging chassis while carrying the expectations of a significant fanbase in South America. Briatore’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of his unfiltered approach to paddock commentary, contrasting the emotional energy of the driver’s home country with the cold, results-based reality of the sport.
While the exact size of the Buenos Aires crowd remains an estimate, Briatore’s focus remains on the tangible outcomes of Colapinto’s career. The executive advisor’s perspective underscores the gap between the driver’s current popularity and his on-track achievements, suggesting that a true celebration of success must be earned through victory rather than public spectacle.
