Franco Colapinto is still fighting Alpine’s weakness, and for his F1 future

Colapinto Faces Uphill Battle at Alpine Amid Performance Struggles

Franco Colapinto remains determined to improve his fortunes with Alpine despite a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Argentinian driver, who stepped in for Jack Doohan after six disappointing races, has failed to score any points across his seven race weekends, with a best finish of 13th and a top qualifying position of 12th, achieved in Canada.

Alpine’s A525 car has proven difficult for both Colapinto and teammate Pierre Gasly, highlighting an unpredictable driving characteristic and limited performance window. Gasly managed a commendable sixth place finish in the wet conditions at Silverstone, but has echoed concerns over the car’s drivability, stating, "The car is obviously very tricky and easy to make a mistake."

Current Standings and Technical Challenges

Colapinto’s struggles are reflected in his qualifying results against Gasly, illustrated in the table below:

Colapinto’s inexperience is a factor, with technical director David Sanchez pointing out that the team’s greater focus on 2026 is impacting current development efforts. This strategic decision leaves Alpine lagging behind competitors like Sauber, Aston Martin, and Haas, which have made notable advances.

Team and Driver Perspectives

Colapinto acknowledges the necessity for quicker adaptation and setup improvement, stating, "We need to try and understand how to bring the performance already on Fridays." Gasly’s extended experience with the vehicle has given him an edge in navigating its complexities.

Despite pressure, Colapinto remains calm about speculation regarding his future, insisting, "I’m not very concerned… I just need to keep working and trying to help the team to improve the car." However, he acknowledges the urgency for better outcomes, underscored by the team’s short lease on drivers, particularly with reserves like Paul Aron waiting in the wings.

Looking Ahead

While Alpine’s immediate prospects appear lean, Gasly remains optimistic, noting the potential for a late-season resurgence, although he recognizes, "This year is slightly different." With the focus shifting towards 2026, both drivers will need to capitalize on every opportunity to extract performance from the challenging A525 as they navigate a critical period in their season.

In summary, while Colapinto continues to face significant hurdles, the commitment to development, coupled with a strategic long-term focus, may ultimately help reshape Alpine’s trajectory.