F1 driver blasted in brutal tirade: 'I don’t give a s**t, you are the problem'

The Argentine driver, who replaced Jack Doohan from the Imola Grand Prix onwards last season, struggled to showcase the same level of talent he had displayed with Williams the year before, ultimately finishing the championship without scoring a single point — the only driver to do so alongside the Australian, who, however, had just six races at his disposal.

During a briefing with the two Alpine drivers in one of the episodes of Drive to Survive season 8, the Italian manager did not hold back in his criticism of the Argentine, urging him to raise his level of performance.

In response to Colapinto, who urged the team to make changes to the car, Briatore replied bluntly: “I don’t give a s**t. I decide what I’m doing, I decide. You are the problem. You need to understand that you have to improve your performance because it’s crucial.”

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen believes Colapinto will need time to fully develop his potential as the Argentine gets ready for his first full Formula 1 campaign in 2026.

Nielsen explained that Colapinto is still early in his career and, like many young drivers before him, is expected to experience both strong moments and more challenging phases along the way. He added that the team intends to provide him with all the support necessary to maximise his speed and help him reach a level where he can match - or even challenge - Gasly.