For all the focus on Red Bull’s talks with Franco Colapinto, there is another team working to secure his signature. Alpine continue to negotiate with the Argentine, as Flavio Briatore works to strengthen the team’s driver line-up.
Alpine join Red Bull in the race for Franco Colapinto
For the past few months, almost every day has involved a development about Red Bull’s driver situation.
Updates about Sergio Perez’s future, especially given his poor form, have become a normal part of the F1 news cycle.
As Red Bull consider their options for 2025, they have identified Franco Colapinto as a potential target.
The 21-year-old is a promising talent, who could fill a seat at either VCARB or Red Bull. However, the Milton Keynes squad are not the only ones pursuing Colapinto.
Alpine’s interest in the Argentine is now well-established. Colapinto has been firmly on their radar for a few months.
Colapinto seen speaking with with Briatore
A few hours before the Qatar Sprint Race, Franco Colapinto was spotted speaking with Flavio Briatore.
Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has been entrusted with rebuilding the team and turning around their fortunes.
Over the past few weeks, several reports have emerged suggesting that Briatore is negotiating with the Colapinto camp.
Considering the Italian’s recent spotting with the 21-year-old, talks seems impossible to deny. Only a few weeks ago, Colapinto’s management revealed that securing a 2025 seat is still possible.
Alpine change their perspective
Jack Doohan has a contract with Alpine for 2025, set to make his F1 debut alongside Pierre Gasly.
At this stage, the expectation is still that Doohan will race for Team Enstone next year. It is too early to stage otherwise.
With that said, this does not mean Alpine aren’t working to sign Colapinto.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Briatore has seemingly marked the Argentine as a talent worth pursuing.
Before Doohan’s contract was announced earlier this year, the 74-year-old downplayed the importance of Alpine’s driver line-up.
“For me, in this moment, [the priority] is just the performance of the car.
“You know, it’s just working the restructuring the team completely. If you have a good car, you need a good driver.
“I want to make sure we put all the energy in the technical side, and make sure the car at Alpine is looking better and improving for next year.
“And 2026, I believe, is when we see the new Alpine.”
Of course, these quotes came before Colapinto burst onto the scene in Monza. Since then, his stance seems to have changed.
Talks remain complex
Whilst it is difficult to gauge how talks between Alpine, Williams and Red Bull are developing, one thing is certain – Alpine are firmly in the race.
Whether for 2026 or beyond, the team currently 7th in the standings believe Franco Colapinto is worth pursuing.
As Alpine press on with negotiations, Red Bull’s plan for their driver roster remains a massive unknown.
In addition, the stance Williams take on the numerous offers on the table will be decisive.
It cannot be overlooked that James Vowles’ team still have an existing multi-year contract with Colapinto, and therefore are at the centre of all talks.
