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Journalist
Hungry for sport, he grew up to the sound of Formula 1 engines and the exploits of Ronaldinho. Today, with a Master's degree in sports journalism, he no longer misses an F1 Grand Prix or a PSG match, his two passions and specialties.
Against all expectations, Alpine decided to recruit Franco Colapinto while the duo composed of Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan was already in place for 2025. A choice which surprised all the more as the French team would have dropped €20M to recruit the Argentinian driver from Williams. A stratospheric sum which would have even ended up disgusting Red Bull which had nevertheless considered the recruitment of Franco Colapinto.
It's the surprise of the beginning of the year in Formula 1. Alpine actually announced the appointment of Franco Colapinto as third pilot. And yet, Paul Aaron already occupied this role while Pierre Gasly et Jack Doohan are the two holders for 2025. Two drivers who are now under pressure with the arrival of Franco Colapinto for which Alpine would have dropped €20M in order to obtain its five-year loan from Williams. Flavio Briatore was determined, more than Christian Hornerthe boss of Red Bullas told Maria Catarineumanages Colapinto.
-Red Bull abandons Colapinto faces Alpine
« He was the first interested party. In fact, more or less at the same time as Red Bull. But Flavio said “I want it, and I want it like this and like that”. But it was very complicated because there was Franco as the driver, his management company, Williams as Franco's team, and the other interested teams. But that's where it all started. And Flavio never lost his interest », she confides in comments reported by F1 Onlybefore returning to Red Bull's interest in Franco Colapinto.
“It is clear that Christian (Horner) showed interest in Franco”
« It's clear that Christian has shown interest in Franco. Could have been for Red Bull as Max's teammate [Verstappen]or for the second Red Bull team. And there were other teams too. But Christian wanted to know what the situation was at Williams and have a discussion with James (Vowles). Ultimately, the Red Bull route, for various reasons, could not be chosen. First of all, because Red Bull has a lot of elements, it has a very powerful academy with drivers who were already waiting and, well, it didn't work », added Maria Catarineu.
