Why this driver deserves another chance, but must do better

For months, there was speculation about his position, but in the end, Colapinto is getting a second chance from Alpine. To be clear, there aren’t many good alternatives.

Jack Doohan showed earlier in the season that he’s not good enough for Formula 1, while promoting reserve driver Paul Aron also carries considerable risks. After all, it remains to be seen whether he has the level to be a stable F1 driver.

Colapinto knows the team, and the team knows Colapinto. Very important with a new generation of F1 cars hitting the grid in 2026, as the mechanics are familiar with the Argentine’s way of working — and vice versa.

Ultimately, performance should be the deciding factor. With Colapinto, Alpine knows what it’s getting: a rough diamond who sometimes has unnecessary crashes, but has also regularly shown his speed.

Especially in recent months, he was repeatedly faster in qualifying than his more experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly. The fact that he didn’t manage to score points this season is only partially his fault. The car he has to work with hasn’t been developed for quite some time.

It was already a car with little to gain, let alone when the team’s engineers have stopped paying attention to it. More than a valid excuse for Colapinto.

That won’t be the case next season. With the expectedly strong Mercedes engines in the back, Alpine wants to fight for points every race — perhaps even for podiums.

Then Colapinto has to deliver. So the pressure will remain high for a while.