Despite his sensational mid-season debut, Franco Colapinto missed out on securing a 2025 F1 contract. Luckily for the Argentine, this year’s driver market should provide chances. As it stands, Alpine have not ruled out renewed talks with Colapinto.
Why Colapinto still has chances to make an F1 comeback
In modern Formula 1, drivers typically follow a very clear route into the grid.
Going from Formula 3 to Formula 2 (almost always with the support of an academy) is now the standardised route.
However, Franco Colapinto’s journey to the grid was extremely unorthodox. The Argentine struggled financially during his junior career, which often impacted his testing time and quality of machinery.
Despite this, he managed to secure stand-out results and earn a place in the Williams academy. From this platform, the 21-year-old impressed enough in this year’s Formula 2 campaign to impress James Vowles.
The Williams team principal has noted that Colapinto’s last-lap overtake to win the Imola Feature race was decisive in promoting him to an F1 seat.
Colapinto’s strengths
Of course, the decision to promote Colapinto was a huge shock across the paddock. The youngster was not necessarily perceived as a talent capable of adapting to the demands of F1 in such a short time-frame.
With the benefit of hindsight, this prevailing narrative was incorrect.
Colapinto claimed points within two race weekends, immediately challenging Alex Albon to a level that Latifi and Sargeant could not.
In addition to this, he proved a tremendous commercial asset. Williams benefited from several new sponsorship deals thanks to the 21-year-old, all within the space of a few months.
These factors meant that Alpine and even Red Bull negotiated with the Colapinto camp last year. They will also impact his involvement in the 2025 market.
On paper, there are two obvious pathways for Franco Colapinto. To be clear, these teams will be in talks with several drivers – meaning Colapinto faces competition.
Still, the Williams reserve driver is in a stronger position than most.
Alpine and Cadillac are wildcards
In a recent interview with Le Parisien, Alpine’s Flavio Briatore refused to dismiss Colapinto as an option for a mid-season swap.
The Italian explained that Doohan is not guaranteed to finish the year with Alpine.
Based on just the last few weeks and the nature of Ocon’s departure, there should be no surprises if Briatore pulls the trigger this year.
Unlike some of the other drivers looking for a 2026 contract, such as Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto will spend this season on the sidelines.
This is a blessing and a curse for the 21-year-old.
Since he is not on the grid, Colapinto cannot significantly increase his market value this season. In the context of his scrappy end to 2024, this could hurt his chances of a 2026 contract.
Then again, in the case of Alpine, he is well-positioned if there is a swap halfway through the year.
Aside from Alpine, the other logical path is Cadillac. The American team will see multiple drivers competing to form part of their 2026 line-up.
As a driver with obvious speed and capable of generating immense sponsorship, Colapinto could of immense value to a new team.
Colapinto’s strong presence in the Americas is also a positive for Cadillac – especially in the event that signing an American driver is difficult to attain.
