Flavio Briatore Angered by Schumacher Speculation as Alpine’s Summer Lineup Looks Shaky
The Formula 1 paddock has gathered in Barcelona for another high-stakes Grand Prix weekend, but Alpine’s team principal, Flavio Briatore, is at the centre of mounting speculation. However, it’s not about his current drivers, but about a former driver: Mick Schumacher. According to a report by The Judge 13, Schumacher, the son of the seven-time world champion, is once again being linked with a sensational return to the grid.
As reported by The Judge 13, the rumour mill is churning louder than ever this time around. However, if Briatore has any patience left for the topic, he certainly didn’t show it during a tense media appearance on Friday. When asked about Schumacher, Briatore responded sarcastically, “I’m not quite sure. Why are we talking about Schumacher now? It’s 2025. I don’t understand. What do you want to know?” as quoted by The Judge 13.
Briatore’s irritation was palpable as he continued to address the speculation. When asked further about the possibility of Schumacher being a candidate for a seat at Alpine this season, Briatore’s sarcasm turned into a deadpan dismissal. “Yes, of course. That’s what everyone says,” he replied dryly before curtly ending the conversation: “I don’t think that’s a question for here. I don’t want to talk about it. Next question,” reports The Judge 13.
This sharp contrast to the usual cryptic non-denials that often characterise discussions about the driver market in F1 is classic Flavio – cutting through the noise with a single swipe, even if it leaves more questions than answers in its wake, as noted by The Judge 13. The speculation about Schumacher hasn’t come out of thin air, with Alpine’s driver situation still in flux after a volatile first half of the 2025 season.
Mick Schumacher has emerged as a plausible fallback option in the eyes of many pundits and insiders, according to The Judge 13. Schumacher, now aged 26, has been out of a full-time Formula 1 seat for the last two years following his stint at Haas between 2021 and 2022. However, he has remained active with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) team, keeping him within the Renault-Alpine ecosystem and ready to step in should a seat become available.
Former F1 driver and current Sky Sports Germany pundit Timo Glock recently reignited the Schumacher discussion, suggesting that if Colapinto fails to meet expectations, Mick could be Alpine’s next move, as reported by The Judge 13. “If Colapinto doesn’t deliver, Mick is a logical candidate,” Glock said on air, noting Schumacher’s existing ties with the team and his prior race experience.
Briatore’s vision for Alpine is clear: performance first, loyalty later. When asked directly whether Colapinto could suffer the same fate as Jack Doohan and be ejected mid-season, Briatore was unequivocal, reports The Judge 13. “If Colapinto performs well, then he will drive the car. If not, then we will see. 2025 is the year we prepare for 2026. We’ll do whatever experiment I think is right.”
The use of the word ‘experiment’ is telling, as noted by The Judge 13. It suggests that Briatore does not view Alpine’s current campaign as a championship charge, but rather as an opportunity to evaluate talent and prepare for the next era. In that context, neither Colapinto nor Gasly can feel entirely secure in their positions.
Since returning to Formula 1 in mid-2024, Briatore’s role at Alpine has evolved rapidly, according to The Judge 13. Originally brought in as an ‘advisor’, he has steadily assumed more operational power within the team. Following the abrupt departure of former team principal Oliver Oakes in early May — officially for ‘personal reasons’ — Briatore now effectively runs the show, making all key decisions in conjunction with Renault CEO Luca de Meo.
Given Briatore’s growing authority and his track record of ruthless efficiency, talk of mid-season shake-ups is hardly surprising, reports The Judge 13. The Italian has built his career on backing winners and dismissing anyone who fails to deliver. Drivers under his leadership know exactly what is expected of them and the consequences of falling short.
Whether or not Mick Schumacher is being seriously considered, his name continues to loom over Alpine’s garage like an unspoken Plan B, according to The Judge 13. His current role in the WEC team ensures he remains race-sharp and connected to the team’s engineering operations. His media profile remains strong, and the fact that he is a member of the renowned Schumacher family makes him a valuable commercial asset.
All eyes now turn to the next few Grands Prix, as reported by The Judge 13. With Colapinto set to be evaluated after the Spielberg race, the pressure on the rookie is immense. One misstep could trigger another reshuffle, and with Alpine treating this season as an experimental period, no outcome can be ruled out.
In conclusion, as The Judge 13 reports, the Alpine team is under pressure to deliver results, and the driver’s lineup is a key area of focus. With Briatore at the helm, the team is likely to make bold moves to ensure success. Only time will tell if Mick Schumacher will be given another chance to shine in Formula 1.
Source link
