F1 News
Briatore reflects he's 'not a killer' on Alpine driver swap possibilities
Already after it was announced that Franco Colapinto will join Alpine as a reserve driver, rumours began about a potential change within the team's line-up. Flavio Briatore, who acts as an executive advisor of CEO Luca de Meo, now reflected on a potential driver swap.
Briatore returned to Alpine, the team he has previously worked for under several names, including Benetton and Renault. He explained he has the same office still, when talking to Marca and international media ahead of the F1 75 Live event.
The Italian was also asked about the team's drivers' line-up. Already by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of the previous season, Esteban Ocon left, and Jack Doohan could drive his first weekend with the French team. Since then, three reserve drivers have been announced: Paul Aron (graduating from F2), Ryo Hirakawa (drove at the Abu Dhabi FP1 session for McLaren), and more importantly, Franco Colapinto.
Briatore reflects
Previously rumours have suggested that Doohan could be replaced after five weekends only. When asked about the matter, the advisor explained: "No, no, it will be more than five [Grands Prix for Doohan]... I'm joking. We'll see. First we start the season. Gasly did a super job last year. I didn't know him, but he did five or six fantastic final races. And it was good to put Jack in Abu Dhabi to give him one more race of experience."
He added: "I'm not a killer, I just want to have the best drivers possible. I've been representing Fernando Alonso for 23 years, which shows that I support drivers who give me what I ask for."
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