Franco Colapinto in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

Colapinto is 'special' but held back by 'clearly inferior' Alpine

15:48, 11 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Franco Colapinto is attempting to make steps forward in Formula 1, get closer to Pierre Gasly at Alpine, and keep his seat. Juncos Hollinger Racing IndyCar team owner Ricardo Juncos is adamant that the 22-year-old is a great talent, but Alpine have issues.

I think they [Alpine] have a clear inferiority compared to the rest."

- Ricardo Juncos

Alpine have endured a stuttering season and are propping up the Constructors' Championship table, sitting 10th in the standings.

Founder of the Juncos Hollinger IndyCar team, Juncos, feels Colapinto is a significant figure for Argentinians, and pressure is increasing on Alpine.

He told this writer at Donington Park: "Franco is very special to us Argentinians, first of all, because we've always been passionate about Formula 1, ever since the early days with Fangio.

"I mean, we're a country that hasn't had a Formula 1 driver for many years, and we deserve it because of our passion and because of what Argentina has always had historically. Thank God it went to Franco, I think he's doing a very good job.

"So I think that in the last few races, being a little bit faster than Gasly or on a par with Gasly, I think that shows Franco's talent and ability.

"The team has a lot of problems, everyone knows that, the results are not coming, I think they are clearly inferior to the rest, so that obviously complicates things a lot for both drivers.

Franco Colapinto is the main candidate for Alpine - Photo: RacePictures

"The pressure is mounting, they need to get results, in other words, he's in a very complicated situation."

Juncos believes Colapinto can become mentally stronger in 2026

Colapinto has begun to make a step up this year as he battled Gasly in Azerbaijan and finished ahead of the Frenchman in Singapore.

He missed the first six rounds of the year before replacing Jack Doohan and has had a tall order ever since.

The Argentine is one of many drivers switching teams this year after a nine-race stint at Williams last season.

This has added an extra complication for Colapinto, but Juncos feels he will make another improvement in 2026 if the Alpine driver keeps his seat.

Juncos added: "I wish him the best, I hope he can turn it around, and I hope he can continue, because experience is needed.

"If he does continue in 2026, I think that Franco will become much more mentally secure, and I hope he has a long sporting career in Formula 1."

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