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Franco Colapinto on the impact of Flavio Briatore's tough leadership in Formula 1

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Franco Colapinto, a driver for Alpine in Formula 1, credits team principal Flavio Briatore's demanding approach with fortifying his mental toughness as he continues to pursue his Formula 1 ambitions.

Colapinto's journey with Alpine began last winter when he joined as a reserve driver from Williams. Following a series of underwhelming outcomes from Jack Doohan, Briatore swiftly installed Colapinto into the race seat, marking his debut with Alpine at Imola. Although Alpine is currently facing overall performance challenges and has shifted its focus to the 2026 season, Colapinto has encountered some difficulties. Briatore has publicly voiced his "disappointment" with Colapinto's performances, questioning the timing of the 22-year-old's promotion. Nevertheless, Colapinto remains unfazed by Briatore's blunt criticism, believing it only strengthens his resolve.

Reflecting on his relationship with Briatore during an interview on F1's Beyond the Grid podcast, recorded before the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Colapinto stated, \"I have a very good relationship with Flavio. He's tough with everyone, and his method of managing the team and motivating individuals can sometimes be intense if you're not familiar with him.\" He further emphasized his trust in Briatore's vision: \"But he's someone I truly believe in and someone I'm confident will propel this team forward. He will assist the team in returning to competitiveness, so I've gained a great deal from him this year. He has significantly bolstered my mental fortitude. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity he has provided me and for the entire developmental journey we are undertaking.\" Colapinto acknowledges that Alpine's current car performance is not ideal for scoring points, but he is concentrating on continuous improvement, taking each race as it comes, and preparing for the team's eventual resurgence, especially with the impending switch to Mercedes customer engines in 2026.

The path to success is often paved with challenges, and Colapinto's experience with Briatore underscores the idea that constructive criticism, even if delivered sternly, can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and resilience. His determination to evolve and contribute to Alpine's future success exemplifies the indomitable spirit required in competitive sports, reminding us that perseverance and a positive outlook can transform obstacles into opportunities for development.

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F3 Introduces €1 Million Prize Fund to Support Driver Progression to F2

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In a significant development for junior single-seater racing, Formula 3 has announced the establishment of a substantial €1 million prize fund. This new financial incentive is designed to help promising drivers overcome the escalating costs involved in progressing from F3 to Formula 2, ensuring that talent, rather than financial backing alone, dictates a driver's career trajectory.

Commencing with the current 2025 season, the monetary award will be distributed among the top five competitors in the F3 championship. The champion will be granted €300,000, with a sliding scale of prizes for those finishing second (€250,000), third (€200,000), fourth (€150,000), and fifth (€100,000). A crucial condition for receiving this prize money is that recipients must advance to Formula 2 in the subsequent year; otherwise, the funds will be allocated to the next eligible driver in the standings. This new fund augments Pirelli's long-standing €300,000 prize for the F3 champion, bringing the total potential funding for the 2025 winner's F2 transition to €600,000. This mirrors successful programs like the Road to Indy, which offers significant financial support and testing opportunities to its champions for progression into IndyCar, addressing the increasingly prohibitive costs, often ranging from €2 million to €3 million, for a full season in F2.

This initiative by Formula 3 is a vital step in nurturing the next generation of racing stars. By easing the financial pressures that often hinder talented young drivers, the sport can ensure a more meritocratic pathway to its highest echelons. It represents a commitment to the long-term health and accessibility of motorsport, fostering a competitive environment where skill and dedication are paramount.

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Brundle's Return: Racing Alongside Son Alex in GT40 at Spa

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Motorsport legend Martin Brundle, a celebrated figure in Formula 1 and Le Mans, is gearing up for an exciting return to competitive racing. This weekend, he will be sharing a Ford GT40 with his son, Alex Brundle, and seasoned historic racer Gary Pearson at the prestigious Spa Six Hours. This event provides a rare and special opportunity for the father-son duo to compete side-by-side, rekindling Brundle's passion for the track after a three-year break.

A Family Affair on the Historic Circuit

The Veteran's Comeback: Martin Brundle's Anticipated Return to Racing

Martin Brundle, renowned for his 158 Formula 1 starts and victory at the 1990 Le Mans, will make his debut at the Spa Six Hours. This endurance race, which features pre-1966 GTP, GT, and touring cars, is a significant event in the historic racing calendar. Brundle expressed his eagerness to race with his son, highlighting the precious nature of such shared experiences, especially given their busy schedules in different racing capacities.

A Bond Forged on Track: Father and Son United in the GT40

The upcoming Spa Six Hours will not be the first time Martin and Alex Brundle have raced together. They previously teamed up at Le Mans in 2012, driving an LMP2 Zytek-Nissan, and have also competed in Jaguar E-types. This weekend, they will pilot a meticulously crafted FIA HTP compliant Gelscoe reproduction GT40, a car that Alex and Gary Pearson had a hand in building. Martin Brundle's initial test drive of the GT40 at Silverstone left him impressed, solidifying the decision to participate in the Spa event.

Embracing the Challenge: Brundle's Perspective on the Spa Six Hours

Despite his extensive racing pedigree, Martin Brundle maintains a humble approach to the Spa Six Hours, stating he has "no aspirations" for a specific result. His focus lies in the enjoyment of the legendary Spa circuit and the GT40 itself. He anticipates the unique challenges of racing the car with a full fuel tank, and jokingly acknowledges the "lottery" of fuel stops where drivers manually refuel their cars. He also observes that smaller, more fuel-efficient cars like the Lotus Elans might have an advantage in wet conditions.

Dominance and Competition: The GT40s at Spa

Ford GT40s have historically performed exceptionally well at the Spa Six Hours, with their dominance being evident since an E-type victory in 2010. This year's entry list includes 14 GT40s, underscoring their enduring popularity and competitive edge. Noteworthy competitors include the Dutch father-son duo David and Olivier Hart, along with Nicky Pastorelli, who are keen to redeem themselves after a close defeat last year. Other strong contenders include Gordon Shedden, reuniting with Andy Priaulx and Rory Butcher, and the Danish team of Palle Birkelund Pedersen, Alexander Weiss, and Nicolai Kjaeergard in their potent Ginetta G4R.

A Field of Champions: Veteran Racers and Emerging Talent

The 78-car grid for the Spa Six Hours is packed with talent, featuring 16 past winners. Among them is five-time champion Simon Hadfield, who will be racing an Aston Martin DP214. German racing veteran Christian Danner will also be making an appearance in an Alfa Romeo GTA, marking his return to the circuit where he made his brief F1 debut in 1985. Alex Brundle, who finished fourth last year with Pearson and Chris Harris, is also a formidable presence, having been a consistent front-runner in this demanding endurance race.

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