Alpine’s Driver Uncertainty: Franco Colapinto Struggles Amidst Team Turbulence
The Alpine Formula 1 team continues to be engulfed in uncertainty as Franco Colapinto’s performance raises pressing questions ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. Appointed after the Miami Grand Prix to replace Jack Doohan, Colapinto has had a challenging start, accumulating significant penalties and criticisms through his initial races.
Colapinto’s tenure began with a grid penalty at Imola due to a miscommunication regarding race restart protocols, followed by a catastrophic spin into the wall. His performances in Monaco and Spain delivered disappointing results, with finishes of 13th and 15th place, respectively, leading to further scrutiny regarding his capabilities in the A325 car.
Team advisor Flavio Briatore has been noncommittal about Colapinto’s future, stating, “If Colapinto is performing, he’s driving the car. If not, we will see.” This ambiguity suggests that the young driver could face replacement if his results do not improve swiftly. Briatore’s earlier comments indicating a “five-race” assessment process were quickly dismissed, utilizing the phrase "no set limit."
As speculation mounted about potential replacements, the focus shifted to other candidates. Interestingly, while Sergio Perez’s name surfaced as a possible replacement due to his lucrative sponsorship potential, sources suggest he is prioritizing his future with Cadillac. Other candidates like test driver Paul Aron or Doohan, who remains on the reserve driver list, are deemed more likely alternatives should Colapinto not meet performance expectations.
Colapinto himself remained focused post-Spain, stating, “I need to focus on Canada,” as pressure builds from the team’s management for immediate improvement.
Briatore has emphasized that decisions will hinge solely on performance, leaving Colapinto in a precarious position as the clock ticks down to the next Grand Prix. As these dynamics unfold, the potential for swift changes within the Alpine driver lineup looms large.
