Former Mercedes F1 driver linked with Alpine seat amid Franco Colapinto doubts. Alpine may replace Colapinto as Valtteri Bottas emerges as a leading candidate for the team’s future.

After Franco Colapinto’s disappointing performances, Alpine may turn to a different profile for both the present and future of the team.

After sidelining Jack Doohan, Flavio Briatore and Alpine gave Franco Colapinto a five-race trial to evaluate his potential and make the right choice for the team’s future. However, the Argentine driver has failed to impress, having scored no points across the Grand Prix weekends he has contested.

A new name enters the Alpine equation
As a result, Alpine’s management is reportedly considering their next steps ahead of the Silverstone weekend and the second half of the season. According to The Race, the leading candidate to partner Pierre Gasly might be a surprising and previously unmentioned name.

Flavio Briatore is believed to have set his sights on Valtteri Bottas, with the Mercedes reserve driver already contacted to gauge his interest in joining the team. The Finnish driver, currently without a race seat after parting ways with Sauber, has been actively seeking a return to the grid. He was recently rumored to be a strong candidate for a seat at the new Cadillac team.

Valtteri Bottas himself hinted at this possibility in a recent social media video, suggesting that joining the American team could be a major opportunity. Additionally, in a podcast appearance with Gunther Steiner, the former teammate of Lewis Hamilton confirmed that discussions with the new outfit have taken place. “We are definitely talking,” Valtteri Bottas revealed.

Naturally, should an offer from Alpine materialize, Valtteri Bottas would likely seize the chance to return to the grid early. Only by racing again can he prove he still deserves a place in Formula 1.