Franco Colapinto’s Summer Sacrifice: Is Alpine’s Future at Stake?
In a bold move that showcases his relentless determination, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto has decided to forgo a summer holiday to tackle the mounting pressure of his underwhelming performance in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With whispers of discontent swirling around the paddock, the stakes couldn’t be higher for this young driver. Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has issued a stark warning that Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s ruthless adviser, could be ready to make a drastic change if Colapinto fails to deliver results.
Colapinto, who took over from Jack Doohan ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May, has struggled to find his footing in a competitive field, finishing no higher than 13th in his first eight races. Initially hailed as a promising talent after a strong stint with Williams, his transition to a race seat has been anything but smooth. The Argentine racer, now 22, has a steep hill to climb if he wants to secure his future with Alpine heading into 2026.
Despite his on-track woes, Colapinto has attracted significant commercial interest since debuting at the Dutch Grand Prix last year. Recently, he struck a personal sponsorship deal with Claro, a telecommunications giant associated with former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, which bolsters his hopes of remaining with the Alpine team. However, sources suggest that while he faces no immediate threat to his seat, his performance remains under the microscope.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Colapinto candidly addressed the media about his decision to skip vacation plans, stating, “I think my season has been a bit shorter so far. I’ve done a few races less than the other drivers, so I need to keep working.” He emphasized the need for self-improvement, saying, “When you are not really comfortable with the performance, I think I just need to keep pushing and keep going.” The pressure is on as he aims to return from the summer break stronger and more competitive.
Brundle, reflecting on his own experiences under Briatore’s management, described the harsh reality of being a driver in this cutthroat environment. He remarked, “If you don’t deliver, you’re like a lightbulb: they’ll take you out and put another bulb in.” His assessment of Colapinto was blunt: “He’s certainly not doing a particularly good job… It doesn’t bode well. I think 2026 definitely doesn’t bode well.” The message is clear—Colapinto’s future at Alpine hinges on his ability to turn his fortunes around quickly.
As the summer break approaches, the clock is ticking for Colapinto to prove his worth. With the ever-watchful eyes of Briatore and the F1 community on him, will he rise to the occasion, or will he become just another name in the long list of drivers who couldn’t withstand the pressure? The answer could very well determine his fate in the fast lane of Formula 1.
