Last week, Alpine confirmed Franco Colapinto as its new reserve driver for the upcoming Formula 1 season after securing a deal with Williams.

The Argentinian talent caught attention of the team last year by stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, where he scored points in two of his first four races.

Despite Red Bull also showing interest, Alpine’s persistence, led by Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, ensured Colapinto joined their ranks.

Maria Catarineu, Colapinto’s manager at Bullet Sports Management, shared how Briatore’s determination made the move possible. Speaking to Infobae, she revealed, “Flavio was always very persistent, and in the last few weeks, he was very intense.”

Briatore’s admiration for Colapinto began immediately after his F1 debut. “The day we first chatted, he said: ‘I’ve seen talent, and I want him.’”

His involvement was so committed that, at one point, he even expressed a desire to manage Colapinto himself. “Flavio wanted to become his manager, but in the end, it’s best that Jamie [Campbell-Walter] and I continue handling things day-to-day,” Catarineu explained.

Colapinto’s contract with Alpine is reportedly a long-term commitment, with Catarineu revealing, “Williams gave Franco to Alpine for five years.”

She also dismissed speculation about a loan arrangement, emphasizing that Alpine has full control over Colapinto’s future. “If another team becomes interested in Franco within that period, I guess it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team,” she said.

While Colapinto will begin as a reserve, he may be called upon to replace one of Alpine’s current drivers, Pierre Gasly or Jack Doohan, if needed. Rumours suggest that especially Doohan faces pressure to deliver immediately, with Colapinto ready to step in should the team need a substitute.