Franco Colapinto to Alpine: could Argentine driver return to F1 grid as early as 2025?. Reports from Argentina suggest Franco Colapinto is in talks with Alpine.

The news has been making waves in Buenos Aires sports outlets, eager to bet on their national talent. Flavio Briatore, reportedly impressed by Franco Colapinto, initiated contact during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. However, attention now shifts to Jack Doohan—what does the future hold for the Australian rookie?

Alpine may be adopting Red Bull’s model of a team with little tolerance for mistakes, where drivers can be replaced mid-season if necessary. Briatore’s arrival has already brought significant changes to the team, the most notable being the decision to shut down the Power Unit program. From 2026, the Enstone-based team will be powered by Mercedes engines.

The Italian manager’s influence could also extend to Alpine’s driver lineup. While Pierre Gasly’s position seems secure for now, the same cannot be said for Jack Doohan. There is skepticism about the Australian’s potential, despite a solid showing in his debut race for Alpine, where he finished 15th—second to last among classified drivers and eight places behind Gasly.

Franco Colapinto set for an F1 comeback in 2025
Doohan will have at least six races to prove his talent. If he fails to deliver, Flavio Briatore appears ready to make changes. As the Argentine newspaper *Olé* reminds readers, Briatore has previously stated: “If a driver isn’t improving or delivering results, I replace them. There’s no room for sentimentality in F1.”

With Red Bull having committed to Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, Colapinto’s options are narrowing. The Argentine seems determined to join a team where he has a realistic chance of returning to the grid. For now, that team appears to be Alpine.

Carlos Sainz described the day his Ferrari contract was finalized, explaining that the process involved numerous drafts, meetings, and an exchange of emails between Madrid and Maranello. He noted that due to Covid restrictions, all discussions had to take place via video call.

He recalled waking up at eight in the morning to be informed by his father that the Ferrari contract had arrived and needed to be signed. Still dressed in his pyjamas, Sainz immediately signed the document.