Could Franco Colapinto still make it to the Formula 1 grid? The Argentine left an indelible impression as a replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams, but has not secured a seat for 2025. However, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore indicates that the French racing team may be interested in the young Argentine for 2026.
Franco Colapinto was perhaps the biggest surprise in 2024. The Argentine made his official Formula 1 debut in Monza, and finished the rest of the season scoring points multiple times. It doesn’t seem like there’s a place for the young driver on the grid in 2025, but Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore now gives Colapinto hope for 2026.
Interest from Alpine
“I am interested in any driver who is fast,” the Italian tells the German Auto Motor und Sport. “Franco Colapinto surprised everyone. But we have contracts with Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan, and Paul Aron (as a reserve driver) for next season. If there was a chance to get Colapinto for 2026, you would have to think about it.”
Although the Italian businessman is certainly interested in getting Colapinto on board at Alpine, Briatore warns that he prefers not to get too caught up in ‘hypes’. “You always have to be careful when assessing drivers,” the advisor continues. “In this sport, you quickly get hyped up after a good race. Then the price rises and suddenly we’re talking about twenty or thirty million dollars.” Briatore says that’s why Alpine also wants to focus on the young drivers in their own training program.
