Is Franco Colapinto’s seat in jeopardy? Tensions rise between driver and Alpine management. Franco Colapinto's Alpine future in doubt after Steve Nielsen's Silverstone comments.

Franco Colapinto’s Formula 1 career has followed a familiar pattern since he entered the sport: he has never been guaranteed a seat for the following season and has always had to earn it through his performances on track. That uncertainty appears to be continuing at Alpine, where speculation over his long-term future has intensified following the British Grand Prix.

Colapinto still has to earn his place

The Argentine driver has repeatedly found himself fighting to secure his future in Formula 1. He was unable to cement a full-time seat with Williams in 2024, where he nevertheless served as the team’s reserve driver, and even last season his future remained uncertain until the summer break.

Surprisingly, despite enjoying what has been his strongest Formula 1 campaign so far, Franco Colapinto still does not have any guarantee of remaining on the grid in 2027.

While Pierre Gasly has established himself as Alpine’s benchmark with 42 points in the Drivers’ Championship, the 2003-born Argentine remains under constant evaluation. In Argentina, many believe his relationship with Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has deteriorated significantly.

Fueling that speculation is a video published on Alpine’s social media channels in which Nielsen reviews the Silverstone weekend without making any reference to Colapinto’s race. Argentine fans—whose historical rivalry with the British has often carried over into sporting debates—reacted angrily online, pointing out that Colapinto climbed from 19th on the grid to finish ninth, ahead of his teammate.

The video

Below is the video in which Steve Nielsen reviews Alpine’s British Grand Prix weekend.

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Speaking at Silverstone, Nielsen admitted that Colapinto will have to earn his place for the 2027 season.

“Everyone wants more. I think Franco is a driver who has taken a little time to get going, if you can put it that way. He’s improving. This year he’s already had some good races—I think of Miami and Shanghai. When the time comes, we’ll make the appropriate decisions. If he’s good enough, he’ll stay; if he isn’t, there will be a better option. That’s Formula 1.”

It is also no secret that Alpine is keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin. The two-time Formula 1 World Champion could yet reunite with Flavio Briatore for one final, sensational stint in Formula 1 beyond the age of 45.