The 2025 season of Formula 1 is being a whirlwind of emotions for Argentine fans, with Franco Colapinto as the protagonist of a story full of ups and downs. The young Pilar pilot, who broke into the queen category of motor racing with a promising debut in 2024 with Williams, now faces an uncertain panorama in Alpine. Recent rumors suggest that the French team is considering a former Formula 2 champion as a possible replacement by 2026, which puts the continuity of the Argentine in check. What is happening in the paddock? Next, we explore the details of this situation that keeps F1 followers on the edge of their seats.

Franco Colapint, 22, has proven to be a rising talent. His passage through Williams in 2024, where he added points in circuits such as Baku and Austin, made him a figure of hope for Argentine motoring. However, after signing with Alpine by 2025, things have not been so simple. The French team is going through a complicated season, with the A525 car considered the least competitive grill. Despite this, Colapinto has shown quality flashes, as its outstanding performance in the Netherlands Grand Prix, where it ended 11th, only half a second from the points. “It was a good race. We were very close to my first point with the team, so it is very disappointing. However, there are also positive aspects,” said the Argentine after the race in Zandvoort.

Despite these efforts, the pressure on collapint is immense. Flavio Briatore, Alpine executive advisor, has been a key figure in this narrative. Initially, Briatore expressed doubts about the premature arrival of the Argentine to Formula 1, stating: “It is difficult for him to adapt to this car. Maybe it was not the time for Franco to be in Formula 1, he might need one or two more years.” However, after the solid performance of Colapint in the Netherlands, the Italian changed his tone: “Franco is doing a good job. At first, as with many rookies, he lacked experience.” These words reflect the duality of expectations surrounding the pilot, who must demonstrate his value in each race to ensure his future.

The rumor that has lit alarms comes from sources close to Alpine, according to Radio Miter. The team would be considering Felipe Drugovich, former champion of Formula 2 in 2022, as a possible replacement for Collapint competitive and has the maturity we are looking for for our long -term project, ”said Alpine’s internal source, although the team has not officially confirmed these negotiations.

The situation is not new for Colapint. Since his arrival in Alpine, rumors about his continuity have been a constant. In May, former F1 Timo Gock pilot suggested that Mick Schumacher, another former Formula 2 champion, could be an alternative if the Argentine did not meet expectations. “Mick has more experience than Franco Colapinto. It would definitely be a candidate,” Gock said in Skysport. To this is added the mention of Valtteri Bottas as another possible replacement, as revealed by the media The Race in June. These names reflect the fierce competition that Colapinto faces, not only on the track, but also in the strategic decisions of the team.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. The Spanish journalist Jorge Peiró, in an article for Tier3, stressed that Colapinto is a priority for Alpine in his plans for 2026. “He has already tried the car next year in the simulator, as well as his partner Pierre Gasly,” said Peiró, underlining the team’s commitment to the development of the Argentine. However, the journalist also warned that “in case of accumulating some loose actions, his options to occupy the seat next to Gasly would go down.” This constant pressure puts collapth in a position where each Grand Prize is a fire test.

Alpine’s context does not help. The French team crosses a moment of transition, with a change of Renault motor to Mercedes scheduled for 2026. Briatore has been clear about the team’s ambitions: “We will no longer have excuses. With an engine like the others, we point to podiums in 2025 and a solid project for 2026”. This approach to the future implies that Alpine is looking for pilots who can quickly adapt to a renewed car and contribute to the development of the team. Pierre Gasly, with an insured contract until 2028, is the pillar of the project, while the second armchair remains in doubt.

For Colapinto, the Italy Grand Prix in Monza was a reflection of the difficulties he faces. It ended in the 17th place, affected by the lack of rhythm of the A525 and a strategy that did not yield fruits. “It was a very hard career. We had no rhythm and I was very just all the competition. I go with a little anger, but we will continue to push,” he said on his social networks. Despite this result, its ability to overcome Gasly in classification several times, as in Monza and Hungary, demonstrates its potential, even with a little competitive car.

The support of Argentine fans has been a key factor in the trajectory of Colapinto. Since their debut, social networks have been filled with memes and encouragement messages, especially after signing by Alpine. “Thank you Williams, you made an entire country excited,” a user wrote in X, reflecting the enthusiasm that aroused his passage through the British team. This support, combined with the financial support of sponsors such as Mercado Libre, strengthens the position of the Argentine in the Paddock. Marcos Galperín, CEO of the company, even joked about his support for Colapinto, highlighting the impact of the pilot on the visibility of the brand.

With nine remaining races in the 2025 season, the future of Colapinto is in his hands. Alpine’s decision, according to Briatore, will be taken before November, which means that every weekend is an opportunity to consolidate its place. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where last year he added points with Williams, could be a turning point. “To continue pushing and working together, what we deserve will come,” Collapint wrote on Instagram, showing a resilient mentality that resonates with his followers.

The question in the air is whether Colapinto will convince Alpine of its value or if a former Formula 2 champion will take his place. Formula 1 is a world of fast decisions and fleeting opportunities, and the Argentine is determined not to miss his. Fans, meanwhile, look forward to the next chapter of this story that combines talent, pressure and passion of a country that dreams of seeing it shine in the highest category of motor racing.