Franco Colapinto’s immediate future in Formula 1 was again a matter of discussion after a series of statements that involved both sponsors and responsible for the Alpine team. In the midst of an irregular season for the French team, speculation about a possible return of the Argentine pilot to the departure grid again gained strength.
Colapinto, 21, signed as a Alpine reserve pilot in January of this year, after completing nine major awards as headline in Williams for 2024. Since then, he has held a secondary role, participating in promotional activities and simulator sessions, waiting for a new opportunity to compete.
This week, a comment ignited rumors. Horacio Marín, president of the Argentine state oil company YPF – one of the personal sponsors of Colapinto – was captured in a television interview outside air, stating that the pilot “would debut with Alpine in Isola”, in reference to the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna that will be played in two weeks. The phrase, which quickly went viral, generated a stir in both Argentina and within the Formula 1 Paddock.
Later, the manager clarified his comment and explained that it was a personal desire and not confirmed information. “What I say is that I hope you run in Icola. And if it comes to happen, it will call me. How am I going to have the data if I am the president of YPF, not the collapint representative? I have an extraordinary relationship with him, but I am not talking all day,” Marín said.
At the press conference of team leaders held this Friday in the framework of the Miami Grand Prix, Oliver Oakes was consulted in this regard and was first spoken about the possibility of seeing Colapint on track with the French team.
“Yes, I mean, I saw him as everyone. I think he was a sponsor of Argentina, out of the camera, giving his opinion about Franco, when he will be in the car. Obviously, I’m sure there are many people in Argentina who would like it to be in the car this Sunday”Said Okes.
The Alpine chief was responsible for lowering expectations and stressed that the versions that circulate are part of the usual “noise” around F1. “I think we have been quite open as a team. That is just noise out there. Jack has to continue doing a good job. But it is natural that there are always speculation”he added.
The speculation about Colapinto have grown in parallel to the difficulties that Jack Doohan, current teammate in Pierre Gasly. The Australian, who assumed the role of titular pilot for the 2025 season, has failed to match the performance of his French partner in these first races of the year.
When he was consulted directly on Doohan’s continuity for the Icola Grand Prix, Okes was clear, although he left a small margin for uncertainty. “Yes, as things are today, Jack is our pilot, along with Pierre. I think we have been quite clear about it. We always evaluate it. But yes, today it is the case,” he said.
Beyond the collapint case, the Alpine team is going through a sports complex in sports. With a single result at the points (the seventh position of Gasly in Bahréin), the Estech headquarters has failed to consolidate a stable performance so far this year.
“Frustrating is the right word,” Oakes said when consulted by seasonal start. “In Australia we felt a little deceived and it was good in Bahrain to show where we really believe we can be. We definitely have some performance in the car. As Toto (Wolff) said, he changes track to track. What is a bit annoying is that you have to take those opportunities when they come, and this year we have not achieved that they get together,” he explained.
Regarding the technical and strategic difficulties that the team has faced, the manager said there were external factors that played against. “In a couple of races, as in Australia, there was some rain and security car. China was a complicated weekend for us. We did not especially well, but the middle zone is very tight. Everyone is very close, and so it will be the rest of the year,” he added.
The pressure on Doohan increased even more with the statements of Flavio Briatore, executive advisor of Alpine, who was present at the Paddock during the start of the Miami Grand Prix. In dialogue with Sky Sportsthe Italian leader was consulted by the rumors that place Colapinto as a possible replacement of the Australian from the next date in Isola. “Do you want to be in Formula 1? You will always have pressure,” said Briatore, who made it clear that this condition is inherent in the category. “When I arrived there was already a contract with him, but I do not accept that they say it has pressure. The pressure is those who work in Fiat for 2,500 euros”he said.
Briatore also avoided confirming an immediate change and said the team will analyze Carrera A Carrera. “Now we are evaluating. We have three pilots, there is also Paul Aron. Let’s see how the next races are developed and then we will decide”said. In parallel, Doohan had another adverse day in Miami: he did not exceed the SQ1, he maintained a strong discussion with his team, and will start 17 at the Sprint. The situation of the oceanic pilot contrasts with the support that Colapinto continues to receive within the structure, where he works as a simulator and reserve pilot.
“Everything is reduced to the last fast lap, the sensation was good, but I ended up blocked when leaving boxes, which was a disaster. Then I could not take the last timed round,” the Australian analyzed about his lean classification.
