BOMB! Max Verstappen SHOCKS THE SPANISH MEDIA after calling Briatore “stupid” after he repeatedly tried to bring down Colapinto, forcing Colapinto to defend himself.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where on-track rivalries often extend beyond the asphalt, a recent incident has shaken the motorsport community to its core. Max Verstappen, four-time world champion and undisputed star of Red Bull, couldn’t contain his frustration with Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s controversial advisor. In a statement that made headlines around the world, Verstappen called Briatore an “idiot” after the Italian repeatedly tried to fire young Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto. This conflict not only exposed internal tensions within the teams but also forced Colapinto to speak out and defend his position on the grid with a maturity that has surprised many.
It all began in the final races of the 2025 season, when the barely 21-year-old Colapinto joined the Alpine team as a permanent driver after a loan from Williams. His debut in Imola was promising, finishing sixteenth, but not without controversy. During practice, Colapinto performed maneuvers that irritated several drivers, including Verstappen himself. In Monaco, for example, the Dutchman made a tongue-in-cheek gesture to the Argentinian for obstructing a fast lap, and in Imola, Verstappen seemed bewildered when Colapinto overtook him in DRS and shouted over the radio, “Who is this?” These minor incidents piled up, but the real trigger was Briatore’s constant pressure to unseat Colapinto.
Briatore, known for his controversial history in Formula 1—from the Renault espionage scandal to his return as a “special advisor” to Alpine—has been ruthless with the rookie. In recent statements, the Italian openly criticized Colapinto’s performance during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, where the Argentine suffered a mechanical failure and a minor crash. “He crashed right away in the first weekend,” Briatore said, implying that Colapinto wasn’t ready for the pressure. Sources close to the team reveal that Briatore pushed for tests for other drivers, such as Paul Aron and Jack Doohan, in a search for alternatives for 2026. Initially, it was announced that Colapinto would only be guaranteed five races, a move Briatore himself admitted was a way to “put pressure” on his Argentinian sponsors, who pump crucial funds into the French team.
Verstappen, who has publicly defended rookies in the past, considered these actions disrespectful to emerging talent. In a post-race interview at the Canadian GP, the Red Bull driver was blunt: “Briatore is an idiot who constantly tries to fire Colapinto. The kid has potential and just needs time to adapt. Instead of supporting him, he sabotages him.” These words, delivered in a calm but determined tone, resonated on social media, where fans around the world, particularly Argentinians, praised Verstappen’s solidarity. The Dutchman, who has faced his own pressure at Red Bull, argued that Formula 1 should nurture young players instead of prematurely dismissing them, and recalled how slow he himself was to settle in.
Colapinto’s reaction was immediate and exemplary of calm under fire. During a press conference in Monza, the Buenos Aires native elegantly declared: “I respect Briatore’s opinion, but my focus is on the track. I’ve learned from mistakes like the one in Imola with Tsunoda, and I ask my fans to show respect, not hatred. If Verstappen defends me, I appreciate it, but I speak with results.” This retort not only calmed the situation but also forced Briatore to partially retract his statement. Days later, in September 2025, the Italian backed Colapinto to continue racing alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026 and announced that a final decision would be made in October. “I’m optimistic about Franco,” Briatore admitted, though he made it clear that performance in the upcoming races would be decisive.
This episode illustrates the toxic dynamic that persists in Formula 1, a sport where talent clashes with internal politics. Colapinto, with his innate speed and the massive support of the Argentinian fans who invaded Imola, represents a new generation that doesn’t bend easily. Verstappen, meanwhile, is emerging as an unlikely leader, championing honesty in a paddock dominated by egos. As Alpine grapples with its 2026 development crisis—admitting it can’t improve its current car and focusing on the new regulations—Colapinto’s continued presence could be the key to revitalizing the team. In a year marked by changes, such as Gasly’s contract extension until 2028 and uncertainties at Mercedes and Red Bull, this drama adds extra spice to the final stages of the season. Only time will tell whether Briatore learns from his “idiocies” or whether Colapinto cements his place as the next great South American talent in motorsport’s elite.
