How much time Franco Colapinto has to save his F1 seat at Alpine?

Jack Doohan was given a chance to prove himself at Alpine in six Grand Prix in 2025. However, it was clear from day one that Colapinto would eventually take his place. Interestingly, Flavio Briatore made the decision just after a weekend in which Doohan had proven to be faster than Pierre Gasly.

Colapinto was given a chance by the flamboyant Italian, but the press release immediately communicated that it was about five races. Colapinto was given the opportunity to show his worth, but under enormous pressure. Although Briatore would later state that the five-race agreement was incorrect, he then casually said that Colapinto had to prove himself in every race. In other words: after each race, it could all be over.

It certainly doesn't help that Flavio Briatore has since sat down with several drivers. Sergio Perez was interviewed at Alpine, although at the request of the Mexican. After Perez, Valtteri Bottas also paid a visit, which was also widely announced by his management team, run by Mercedes.

In this respect, it works quite counterproductive internally. While earlier this year Franco Colapinto and now Paul Aron consciously avoid interviews to put no pressure on the current driver, the man in charge of the drivers is in discussion with multiple drivers.

Of course, someone in that position should be having conversations with drivers to understand what is possible. That's not the problem. The real issue is that the regular drivers, especially the man next to Pierre Gasly, are given very little time and confidence. Colapinto is still in place, but don't be surprised if his spot is taken by someone else after the summer.

Briatore sees 2025 as a test for 2026. The Italian has long since written off 2025. It's about 2026, when Alpine hopes to compete again with a Mercedes engine. The best driver duo must be selected for that year, which can be tested in 2025.

Jack Doohan was allowed to start, but wasn't good enough. Franco Colapinto impressed in his first races for Williams, but hasn't shown any signs of that form at Alpine. In the meantime, Paul Aron is also warming up. Despite being disappointed when Colapinto, rather than him, got the opportunity after Jack Doohan. Aron is still hopeful for his own chance.

Yet, Alpine seems to not have caught a big fish within its own pool with Doohan, Colapinto, and Aron. After Carlos Sainz chose Williams, Alpine switched to Jack Doohan speedily. In Zandvoort, the Australian was already confirmed for a seat, whereas Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez only became available on the market later. These two would certainly stand up well to Pierre Gasly, creating a strong lineup.

It is therefore most likely that Bottas will end up at Alpine in 2026, or perhaps even in 2025. If Alpine really wants to perform in 2026, it will need two strong drivers. The three backups Alpine currently has are not that, but Bottas is.