A Return to Formula 1: Franco Colapinto Signs as Alpine’s Reserve Driver
After a bittersweet exit when Franco Colapinto couldn’t secure a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 grid, the driver surprisingly returned for the next season. With a farewell from Williams Racing, Colapinto joined BWT Alpine as their test and reserve driver. The Argentinian driver signed a multi-year contract, alongside other reserve drivers Ryō Hirakawa and Paul Aron, to be ready for Alpine whenever they’re needed. Colapinto joined the grid late in 2024 but managed to accumulate five points in nine races, so the driver proved he was here to stay. With a confirmed spot on a team, Colapinto is ready for whatever Alpine throws at him.
Before his Formula 1 debut, Franco Colapinto drove in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 competitions, where he performed well. His F2 season was cut short since he joined the F1 grid mid-season. The 21-year-old Argentinian driver joined the F1 grid in 2024 for the Italian Grand Prix to race for Williams Racing. Colapinto joined to replace American driver Logan Sargeant, who failed to score any points on the grid throughout the 2024 season. As a rookie on the grid, with his debut in Italy, Colapinto outscored drivers who drove the entire season, like Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas. Following the 2024 season, Colapinto won the Overtake Award for his overtake against Fernando Alonso during the United States Grand Prix. Despite all this, Colapinto failed to secure a seat for the 2025 season since Williams Racing opted to sign Carlos Sainz instead.
Currently, Alpine has Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan as their drivers for the 2025 season. This will be Jack Doohan’s first season in F1 after competing in F2, where he performed decently in the competition. However, a clause in the rookie’s contract allows Alpine to replace him after a certain amount of races should he underperform. With Colapinto on standby, Alpine could easily switch him in and replace Doohan, giving him a secure seat for the rest of the season. As the 2025 season swiftly approaches, eyes are on the second Alpine driver’s seat, wondering whether or not Colapinto will take the spot or if Doohan can manage to keep it.
