Alpine’s Uncertain Future with Colapinto: Performance Under Scrutiny
Amid mounting pressure, Alpine’s future with driver Franco Colapinto appears increasingly tenuous after three underwhelming races in Formula 1. Initially, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore suggested there was “no set limit” on Colapinto’s tenure with the team. However, following disappointing performances, Briatore’s tone has shifted, leaving Colapinto’s status in limbo.
At the heart of the debate is Colapinto’s lackluster form, reminiscent of his previously criticized stint at Williams. In his debut at Imola, an error in executing a radio instruction led to a grid penalty, followed by a spin that ended his race prematurely. His subsequent outings—thirteenth in Monaco and fifteenth in Spain—do little to inspire confidence, with technical failures compounding his struggles.
“We need to focus on Canada,” Colapinto stated following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he attributed a poor qualifying session to a drivetrain issue. The uncertainty surrounding his role is palpable, as Briatore, during a recent press conference, emphasized performance as the sole criterion for Colapinto’s continuation: "If Colapinto is performing, he’s driving the car. If not, we will see."
The speculation surrounding potential replacements includes notable names like Sergio Perez, driven not only by performance metrics but also by commercial interests as sponsors often accompany these drivers. However, it’s understood that Perez is prioritizing his prospects with Cadillac for next season and may not be inclined to join Alpine at this time.
Briatore, known for his authoritative approach, reinforced that decisions will be performance-driven, stating, “I don’t know if Franco will stay for the season or not, but let’s see. Depends on the performance.” With the Canadian Grand Prix approaching, the spotlight remains firmly on Colapinto to deliver results that could either solidify his position or end his short tenure with Alpine.
