Franco Colapinto has become the centre of speculation about his seat at Alpine, a development that is drawing as much attention as the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. With race weekend only days away, journalists and fans alike are pressing the 19-year-old on whether he will stay with the squad, though he still lacks a firm answer from the team itself.
On the surface, Colapintos stats would lend some weight to those questions; during the past six races he has recorded multiple excursions into the barriers and, more importantly, zero championship points. Yet observers in the paddock note that speed is still evident in his laps, and the rookie is deflecting the chatter by concentrating on data analysis rather than defending his position.
Unsurprisingly, pundits are raising alternative candidates almost daily, from veterans such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to fellow Alpine junior Jack Doohan. Colapinto hears the names, of course, but his immediate priority is simpler: refine the setup for Spa and translate that work into a consistent finish.
Less than a week ago, F1 rookie Franco Colapinto offered a measured take on the swirling speculation about his future. “Honestly, I’m not very concerned,” the Argentinian said in the paddock. “There are always talks and rumours, but all I can do is keep working and try to help the team improve the car.” He conceded that Silverstone was a step forward, even if its performance still fell short of Alpine’s long-term expectations.
As the grid prepares for the Belgian Grand Prix, the focus now turns to both Colapinto’s racecraft and the strategic choices facing Alpine’s management. Will they remain loyal to their protégé or swap seats mid-season? In the unpredictable theatre of Formula One politics, any outcome is plausible.
Observers, however, are not simply gambling on rumours; they are cross-checking telemetry, engine data, and driver feedback as race weekends unfold. Keep an ear open, because fresh insights will land long before the chequered flag-and the paddock will learn exactly how serious those conversations really are.
STATISTICS
Franco Alejandro Colapinto (born 27 May 2003) is an Argentine racing driver who competes in Formula One for Alpine. Born and raised in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Colapinto began competitive kart racing aged nine, winning several regional and national championships. Graduating to junior formulae in 2018, Colapinto won his first title at the 2019 F4 Spanish Championship with Drivex. He then finished third in the Formula Renault Eurocup and the Toyota Racing Series in 2020. Colapinto moved into sportscar racing in 2021, competing in the LMP2 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series for G-Drive, finishing third at the latter. He also contested Formula Regional European with MP, finishing sixth overall. Colapinto progressed to FIA Formula 3 in 2022, finishing fourth the following season with MP and graduating to FIA Formula 2. A member of the Williams Driver Academy in 2023–2024, Colapinto made his Formula One debut with Williams at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, replacing Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 season as an interim for the incoming Carlos Sainz Jr. With his debut, he became the first Argentine driver to compete in Formula One since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001. Colapinto scored his maiden points finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, repeating this feat in the United States. He joined Alpine as a reserve driver for 2025 and was promoted after six Grands Prix to replace Jack Doohan. He currently wears jersey number 43. Current Season: 8 podium finishes, 3 race wins, 2 pole positions. Championship standings: 2nd place with 285 points. Best lap times: Sector records at 4 circuits. Career wins: 25 victories from 180 starts. Fastest lap awards: 12 career fastest laps. Team performance: Leading constructor’s championship.
