Franco Colapinto Finds Alpine Refuge with Multi-Year Deal Signed

Franco Colapinto has officially joined the Alpine F1 Team for the 2025 season, signing a multi-year deal as a reserve driver. This exciting announcement has secured the Argentinean racing driver’s future with the Enstone-based squad, even as he was unable to secure a seat on the grid for the 2025 Formula 1 Championship.

Franco Colapinto Joins Alpine as Reserve Driver for 2025

At just 21 years old, Franco Colapinto is one of the brightest talents in motorsport. Alpine confirmed that Colapinto will take up a pivotal reserve driver role with the team for the upcoming F1 season, alongside Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa. The team’s announcement came on the same day that Alpine secured Hirakawa’s services as a test and simulator driver. With these new signings, Alpine now has a strong lineup of young drivers to support race drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan.

Colapinto’s Link with Alpine and Rivalry with Red Bull

Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine has been a topic of speculation for several months. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore had previously expressed interest in signing the young Argentinean, with a bidding war for his services heating up between Alpine and Red Bull. However, after a tougher late 2024 season, Colapinto’s form cooled, leaving his future uncertain. Despite this, his immense speed and talent on the track have impressed the F1 community, leading to Alpine’s decision to secure him for the 2025 season.

What’s Next for Colapinto at Alpine?

Although Colapinto will not race full-time in the 2025 F1 Championship, he will take on an essential role as a reserve driver. This agreement, made possible after Alpine reached an understanding with Williams Racing, will see Colapinto attend several races throughout the season. He will also engage in a TPC programme, working alongside Hirakawa and Aron to further develop his skills and support the team’s race preparation.

In his statement, Colapinto shared his excitement, saying, “I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team. A huge thank you to Luca de Meo, Flavio Briatore, and Oliver Oakes for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms.”

He went on to express his gratitude towards Williams for their support and acknowledged the importance of his Argentine fans, saying, “Muchas gracias! Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me.”

Flavio Briatore’s Vision for Alpine’s Future

Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, also praised Colapinto’s talent, stating, “Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. His appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, including me, by surprise. His performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.”

Briatore also emphasized the long-term vision of the team, adding, “We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”

The Pressure on Jack Doohan

While Colapinto is set for a significant role at Alpine, the team’s immediate focus will be on Jack Doohan, who will start the 2025 season with the team. Doohan’s performance will be under scrutiny, as his future with the team is understood to be contingent on his results. Some rumors suggest that his contract only covers the first quarter of the season, leaving the door open for Colapinto to potentially step in should Doohan fail to impress early on.

A New Chapter for Colapinto in Formula 1

With this multi-year deal, Franco Colapinto embarks on an exciting new chapter in his career, continuing to develop his skills within the Alpine F1 Team. Though 2025 will not see him on the starting grid, his potential future with the team is bright, and his commitment to their long-term goals highlights the team’s focus on nurturing young talent.

As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Colapinto’s journey with Alpine and his development as one of the rising stars in motorsport.

Conclusion: Colapinto’s Bright Future with Alpine

Franco Colapinto’s signing with Alpine sets the stage for a promising future in Formula 1. The multi-year contract solidifies his place within one of the most exciting teams on the grid, as he aims to contribute to Alpine’s long-term success. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the young Argentinean continues to develop in the sport and prepare for future opportunities with the team.