Franco Colapinto has been one of the more popular drivers on the Formula 1 grid since he arrived in 2024, especially back home.
Colapinto’s Williams debut at Monza gave F1 a boost in Argentina, which hadn’t had a driver on the grid since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001.
In six starts during the 2024 season, Colapinto picked up five points – four more than Logan Sargeant managed across his entire Williams tenure. His results raised his profile back home and attracted new sponsorship opportunities for the team.
The same pattern held steady when Colapinto joined Alpine in 2025, stepping in for Jack Doohan after six rounds. Although he was the only full-time driver not to score that year, he did bring considerable financial support with him.
Max Verstappen surprised by Franco Colapinto’s remarkable fan support
Franco Colapinto’s return to Formula 1 at Imola made it clear just how much support he has from back home. The paddock was filled with Argentina flags, and the turnout was a reminder of how highly regarded he is among fans.
Even drivers like Max Verstappen have taken notice. In an interview with Rolling Stone Argentina, Colapinto shared that the Red Bull star has been impressed by the size and reach of his following.
“Yes, it’s very special to me. I think being Argentinian and having the support of an entire country is incredible,” said the Alpine driver.
“Especially when you’re a driver. European drivers can’t believe the level of support I have. Max tells me: ‘It’s incredible.’ They’re at every circuit, everywhere.
“They’re in Singapore, but then they’re in Brazil. They’re in Baku, but then they’re in Italy. They’re everywhere, and on all the tracks that you say here they don’t get to, they don’t get to Qatar.”
“I’m like: ‘How are they in Qatar? Did they stay from the World Cup?’ They stayed here, you don’t understand me. And they go and travel and get to everywhere.”
Franco Colapinto’s 2025 F1 season draws criticism from key figures
Despite building a strong following in the paddock, Franco Colapinto’s performance on track hasn’t lived up to expectations. He found it difficult to get to grips with the A525 and was overshadowed by teammate Pierre Gasly, who collected all of Alpine’s points while Colapinto spent much of the year near the back.
He did show signs of progress later in the season, but Guenther Steiner still described him as ‘dull’ to watch. Alpine have decided to keep faith in him for 2026, but the scrutiny is already starting to build.
Martin Brundle was quick to point out that Colapinto still needs to prove himself after news of his contract extension broke. Going an entire season without points and making multiple rookie errors isn’t something he can afford to repeat.
The introduction of Mercedes engines at Alpine might offer him a fresh start, but he’ll need more than just a better car if he wants to stay on the grid beyond 2026.
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