Franco Colapinto made a strong impression during his Formula 1 debut with Williams last season. Taking over from Logan Sargeant for the final nine races, the Argentine scored five points—four more than Sargeant managed across 36 Grand Prix starts. Colapinto quickly matched the pace of teammate Alex Albon, although his progress was disrupted by several heavy crashes that affected both himself and the team. Despite these setbacks, his presence was significant, attracting a wave of Argentine sponsors to Williams. This commercial appeal, combined with his evident talent on track, positioned him as an attractive prospect for several teams in 2025.
Red Bull showed interest in Franco Colapinto but ultimately withdrew due to concerns over his crashes. Meanwhile, Flavio Briatore signed the 21-year-old to Alpine as a reserve driver, signaling the former Benetton and Renault boss’s intention to eventually secure Franco Colapinto a full-time seat. This plan came into effect when Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix on an initial five-race contract. The Argentine expressed satisfaction in being part of the Alpine brand but also hinted that a team like Ferrari might not align with his personal values.
The Argentine racing driver shared via Mercado Ads that he prefers to associate with brands that resonate ‘with the people.’ He explained that while many people in Argentina own Renault cars, owning a Ferrari is nearly impossible for most, making the Italian brand less relatable to him. He emphasized his desire to connect with brands present in everyday life rather than exclusive luxury names.
Franco Colapinto elaborated that he is drawn to brands that are accessible and part of the public’s daily experience. He contrasted this with Ferrari, which he described as an unattainable brand in Argentina, affordable only to celebrities like Brad Pitt. For Franco Colapinto, it is important to represent a brand that reflects the common people rather than an exclusive elite.
Despite his enthusiasm for Alpine, Franco Colapinto’s future with the team appears uncertain as pressure mounts. Struggling to match performance expectations as Jack Doohan’s replacement, he has yet to score points in four races while Alpine sits at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship. The upcoming Austrian Grand Prix may mark the end of his initial five-race deal.
Although Flavio Briatore has dismissed rumours of Franco Colapinto being replaced, insisting the young driver needs more time to develop, speculation about his future continues to grow. Franco Colapinto’s position in Formula 1 remains precarious as he battles to maintain his seat. A strong performance at the Red Bull Ring could prove crucial, especially with names like Sergio Perez being linked to Alpine in recent weeks.
Leave a Reply