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Rising Star Franco Colapinto Set to Shake Up F1 Grid with Alpine Move putting in risk Doohan before the start of the season

Redação by Redação
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Franco Colapinto to Race with Old-Spec Williams Parts in Qatar After Vegas Crash

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 28, 2024 Williams' Franco Colapinto arrives at the circuit REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

In a move poised to disrupt the Formula 1 paddock, 21-year-old Argentine sensation Franco Colapinto is reportedly on the verge of joining Alpine for the 2025 season. The deal, reportedly orchestrated by Alpine consultant and F1 kingmaker Flavio Briatore, signals a bold bet on the young driver’s potential both on and off the track.


Colapinto’s Meteoric Rise

Colapinto burst onto the F1 scene in 2024, stepping in at Williams to replace Logan Sargeant. While his rookie season was a tale of two halves—early standout performances marred by late-season mistakes—his raw talent was impossible to ignore. In just nine races, Colapinto managed to score five points, a remarkable achievement given the circumstances.

What sets Colapinto apart isn’t just his on-track potential but his off-track appeal. The Argentine driver’s growing popularity in the Americas has caught the attention of sponsors and fans alike, offering a lucrative commercial edge that few rookies possess. Alpine, seeking to boost its profile in South America, seems eager to capitalize on this opportunity.


Briatore’s Backing: A Seal of Approval

The move to Alpine reportedly has Briatore’s fingerprints all over it. The veteran talent-spotter, whose portfolio includes legends like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, has been vocal about Colapinto’s abilities.

“Colapinto’s performances are of the highest level,” Briatore declared last season, further fueling speculation about the young driver’s future in the sport.

Briatore’s involvement underscores Alpine’s aggressive strategy to secure Colapinto, especially after Red Bull reportedly flirted with the idea of signing him but failed to seal the deal. Briatore’s swift action allowed Alpine to step in and finalize negotiations.


A New Chapter for Alpine, a Crossroads for Doohan

While the deal is great news for Colapinto, it casts a shadow over the future of Jack Doohan, Alpine’s long-time reserve driver. The Australian impressed in his Grand Prix debut at Abu Dhabi last year but now faces an uncertain future. Despite being slated to partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine for the opening six races of 2025, Doohan’s long-term prospects appear precarious.

Briatore hinted at the arrangement, stating to Le Parisien:

“Those who will start in the two Alpines this year are Pierre Gasly, the team number one, and rookie Jack Doohan.”

However, this arrangement could be little more than a stopgap as Alpine prepares to inject Colapinto into the driver lineup. Should Doohan fail to deliver early results, the door seems wide open for Colapinto to step in mid-season.


The Commercial X-Factor

Colapinto’s potential isn’t confined to the cockpit. His rising status in South America, a region that has long lacked an F1 hero since the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna, makes him a compelling asset for Alpine’s global marketing strategy. With an eye on sponsorships and fan engagement, the French team could reap significant benefits from Colapinto’s presence on the grid.


High Stakes for Colapinto and Alpine

If Colapinto’s arrival materializes, he’ll be under immense pressure to deliver. Briatore’s track record of spotting champions—such as swooping in to secure Michael Schumacher after his debut with Jordan—raises expectations sky-high. But with the promise of speed, commercial value, and Briatore’s backing, Colapinto could be a game-changer for Alpine.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a critical year for Alpine. With financial constraints, a reorganized leadership team, and a desire to climb back into F1’s upper echelons, the team’s driver lineup will play a pivotal role. Whether Colapinto can fulfill his potential and meet Briatore’s expectations remains to be seen, but his impending arrival signals a shake-up that could alter the team—and the grid’s—balance of power.


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