Franco Colapinto made headlines for his dramatic entry and performances midway through this season but did not manage to secure a Formula 1 contract for 2025 despite Alpine hinting they might revisit negotiations, suggesting potential future collaboration.
Colapinto’s Journey and Prospects for an F1 Return
Franco Colapinto defied modern F1 norms when his career took an unconventional route from Formula 3 to Formula 2, often via an academy. Financial limitations had limited his access to competitive machinery early on but his exceptional talent shone through nonetheless, eventually being recognized by Williams Academy’s James Vowles for Formula 2, leading him into success at Imola Feature race which ultimately secured his shot at Formula 1.
What Makes Colapinto Stand Out
Colapinto’s promotion to F1 was met with surprise by many, as he wasn’t initially considered ready for the challenges of F1. However, he quickly disproved skeptics by scoring points in just two race weekends and displaying a competitiveness that put him on par with, if not ahead of, some of his more experienced teammates. His addition to the Williams team also proved commercially beneficial, attracting numerous sponsorship deals in a short period.
This combination of on-track performance and commercial appeal made him a subject of discussion among several teams, including Alpine and Red Bull, and will likely be a significant factor in his considerations for the 2025 season.
The Next Possible Steps
In a recent discussion, Flavio Briatore of Alpine mentioned that Jack Doohan’s position with the team isn’t secure, indicating that changes within the season wouldn’t come as a surprise. Unlike other drivers vying for a seat in 2026, Colapinto will spend this season off the grid, which might impact his market value negatively following a tumultuous end to 2024. However, this also places him in a unique position for a mid-season switch, specifically with Alpine.
Cadillac represents another potential route for Colapinto. The American outfit has recently begun searching for drivers for its 2026 entry, and Colapinto may prove himself as a viable candidate if an American candidate proves ineligible.
As F1 driver markets change, Franco Colapinto remains an intriguing candidate to return. Alpine and Cadillac could provide him with potential outlets to pursue a comeback career path.