Franco Colapinto’s tenure with Alpine for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season appears secure, despite a challenging start. The Argentine driver, who replaced Jack Doohan earlier this year, has yet to score points, with his highest finishes being 13th in both Monaco and Canada. Meanwhile, his teammate Pierre Gasly has been the sole point scorer for Alpine, leaving Colapinto under scrutiny.
Speculation about Colapinto’s position intensified following a crash during a Pirelli tyre test in Budapest, which impeded data collection efforts. Rumors circulated about a potential switch with Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, but these have been dismissed as unfounded. Sources suggest that Alpine is committed to giving Colapinto a fair chance to prove himself in the upcoming races.
While Colapinto’s struggles have been evident, he remains focused on regaining the confidence he initially displayed with the team. He acknowledges the difficulties he’s faced with the A525’s handling, particularly in corner entry, which has affected his performance. Despite these challenges, Colapinto is optimistic about improvements, working closely with his team to identify and overcome the car’s quirks.
The driver himself has expressed a need for a mental reset during the F1 summer break, aiming to return with renewed vigor. He believes the break could help him reconnect with the performance level he demonstrated in his debut race with Alpine at Imola, which he considers his best outing so far.
As Alpine evaluates their driver lineup for 2026, Colapinto’s future hinges on his performance in the latter half of the season. While a driver swap is not currently on the cards, the team is keeping a close eye on his progress, with Paul Aron as a potential alternative if necessary. For now, Colapinto remains determined to solidify his place within the team and prove his capabilities on the track.
