You won’t believe it! Flavio Briatore, the charismatic executive advisor of Alpine, has finally made a decision that has shaken the world of Formula 1 and has fans on the edge of their seats. It concerns the future of two promising young drivers: Argentine Franco Colapinto and Australian Jack Doohan. Both drivers have been at the center of rumors for months, with speculation about who will occupy a starting seat in the French team for the 2025 season. Now, Briatore has spoken, and his words have generated a mixture of surprise, excitement, and debate among motorsport fans.

It all began when Colapinto, after an impressive debut with Williams in 2024, was signed by Alpine as a reserve driver. His natural talent and charisma quickly made him a favorite of many, especially in Argentina, where he is already considered an idol. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan, son of legendary motorcycle racer Mick Doohan, had been confirmed as a starter alongside Pierre Gasly for this year. However, his performance in the first few races has not been as expected, and mistakes, such as the crash at the Australian Grand Prix, have cast doubt on his continued presence. Briatore, known for his inexperience with mediocre results, appears to have reached a turning point.

In a recent statement that went viral on social media, Briatore stated: “We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses.” While at first glance this might sound like an endorsement of Doohan, the ambiguous tone of “we’ll see” has set off alarm bells. For many, it’s a clear sign that the Australian is on trial, and that Colapinto, who has been anxiously awaiting the start, could take his place sooner than previously thought. “Franco will get behind the wheel sooner or later,” Briatore added on another occasion, hinting that the Argentine is part of his long-term plans.

The pressure on Doohan is immense. With only a few races left to prove his worth, the young driver faces a monumental challenge. His performance in pre-season testing was decent, but he failed to match Gasly’s pace, something Briatore hasn’t overlooked. Meanwhile, Colapinto has impressed in TPC testing in older cars, showing speed and an adaptability that have surprised Alpine’s engineers. Internal reports suggest the Argentine could be gaining on Doohan in lap times, reinforcing the idea that his promotion is imminent.

But not everything is so simple. Briatore also considers the commercial aspect. “The Argentine market is very strong for Renault, and having Colapinto will help us,” he admitted, acknowledging the media and economic impact the driver can bring. This has drawn criticism from some who believe the decision could be based more on marketing than on sporting merit. However, those who have followed Colapinto’s career know that his talent is undeniable, and that his presence in Formula 1 is not just a publicity stunt.

The upcoming Chinese Grand Prix will be crucial. If Doohan doesn’t achieve a solid result, rumors suggest Briatore could give Colapinto a chance sooner than expected. Argentine fans are already dreaming of seeing their compatriot on the track, while Doohan fights to keep his dream alive. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Briatore isn’t afraid of making bold decisions, and the Formula 1 world can’t take its eyes off this gripping thriller. What do you think? The track will decide!