Alpine chief Briatore jumps to defend Colapinto and blasts social media 'idiots'

The upcoming Austrian Grand Prix will mark Franco Colapinto’s fifth race with Alpine. It was originally expected to be the point where the French team would decide whether or not the Argentine driver would continue with them. This intention was outlined in a press release issued by Alpine following his signing.

However, Flavio Briatore, now acting as team principal after Oliver Oakes' resignation, has been firmly denying for weeks that any evaluation point exists. In an interview with the Argentine newspaper La Voz, he even responded with clear irritation when asked about Colapinto’s future.

“I don't think there are rumours. The team is satisfied with Franco, period. Franco is part of the team; I don't know what the rumours are about,” Briatore stated strongly.

When it's suggested that some media outlets see Estonian Paul Aron as a potential replacement for Colapinto, the Italian responded sharply: “The problem is that the press publishes so much nonsense. It's your fault, not ours. All this nonsense comes from Argentina and the people there. You should blame yourselves.”

The team leader was not impressed with the journalist, stating that those in the media have a key role in supporting the Argentinian driver.

Not only in the media are questions being asked about Colapinto staying, but it’s also a topic of conversation on social media. “Social media is full of idiots. But you, if you have a Formula 1 driver [in your country], you must protect your driver because he is a young guy, he's in a team.