Briatore: No Fixed Race Limit for Colapinto at Alpine

Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has indicated that there is “no set limit” on the number of races Franco Colapinto will participate in this year.

Colapinto was previously announced to be replacing Jack Doohan for a period of five Formula 1 races, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this past weekend and concluding with the Austrian Grand Prix.

In Alpine`s initial press release, Briatore was quoted as saying, “the next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options”.

However, speaking to Italian media in Imola, his stance appeared to evolve.

Briatore stated that a driver`s opportunity isn`t restricted to just a few races, adding that he “expected more from Jack Doohan” and suggested that Doohan “maybe needs a break.”

Regarding Colapinto, Briatore clarified, “Franco will race as much as needed… there`s no set limit on his races.”

He outlined his expectations for the young driver: “He needs to be fast, not crash, and score points. I`m only asking him these three things – not 10. If he does them well, he will drive forever.”

Briatore Discusses Oakes` Resignation

Just a day before the announcement of Doohan and Colapinto`s driver change, Oliver Oakes resigned from his position as team principal, citing “personal reasons.”

Oakes, who was present in Imola, stepped down shortly after his brother, William Oakes, was charged with `transferring criminal property`. William Oakes was found in “possession of a large amount of cash” when stopped in Silverstone Park on May 1.

William Oakes, 31, from Rugby, Warwickshire, was remanded in custody after appearing in court on May 3.

William Oakes is a director at Hitech Grand Prix, the British-based junior racing team founded by his brother Oliver Oakes in 2015.

Although Alpine announced that Briatore would cover the duties previously performed by Oakes, the FIA does not officially recognize him as the team principal. Racing director Dave Greenwood is listed as the team representative for administrative purposes.

Briatore commented on the leadership change, stating, “Nothing changes – the organisational chart has shifted a bit, but everything else stays the same.”

Regarding the team principal role, he added, “When it comes to the team principal role, I need to assess the situation. For now, I`m taking charge, but I`m used to that, it`s not my first day at school.”

Speaking about Oakes` departure, Briatore stated it “came after Miami due to a personal issue” and was unexpected. He added, “when it happened, I did not expect it either.”

He also dismissed rumors of conflict, saying, “This is a united team. There were rumours that I had argued with Oliver, but that`s not true – we have a great relationship.”