Franco Colapinto remains in the Alpine seat on a race-by-race basis, but Flavio Briatore’s move to sound out Valtteri Bottas has put the Argentinean driver under immediate pressure to perform.
Briatore, looking ahead to 2026 when Alpine will become a Mercedes customer team, has made it clear he wants a strong pairing for Gasly. He’s publicly questioned Colapinto’s form, noting the 22-year-old was nowhere near Q3 pace at the Red Bull Ring.
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Valtteri Bottas – currently Mercedes’ reserve but eager to return to racing – has now emerged as the leading candidate if another change is made. The Finn has a wealth of experience, with 246 Grand Prix starts and 67 podiums to his name.
Colapinto says Briatore has ‘assured’ him of continued support
Despite the speculation, Colapinto insists he still has Briatore’s backing. Speaking to Motorsport-Total, the Alpine driver said: “I feel supported, and Flavio has assured me of his trust. We talk every day to work on my performance.
“The car is fast, but difficult to drive and not consistent enough to give me the confidence I need in fast corners. We need to take a step forward as a team.”
Colapinto must respond amid Bottas pressure
Colapinto may still hold Briatore’s trust, but the Italian adviser – acting under instructions from former Renault CEO Luca de Meo – has already spoken to Mercedes about Bottas’ situation. Toto Wolff is reportedly open to the move if it comes to fruition.
Briatore put Colapinto in the car earlier this year after Doohan’s run of poor form, but the Argentine is still searching for his first points finish. His results remain underwhelming – 16th at Imola, 13th in Monaco, 15th in Spain, 13th in Canada and again 15th in Austria.
Colapinto also attracted criticism for an incident in Austria, where he received a five-second penalty for forcing Oscar Piastri off the road. Mistakes like that won’t help his case, with Bottas waiting in the wings and Briatore showing no hesitation to make changes.
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