Franco Colapinto Faces Crucial Weeks as Alpine Evaluates His F1 Future Against Paul Aron

Franco Colapinto is entering a critical period to secure his Formula 1 future with Alpine, despite a recent transgression where he ignored team orders at the US Grand Prix. Alpine is currently evaluating Colapinto against reserve driver Paul Aron, with key benchmark opportunities arising in upcoming FP1 sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters:

• Colapinto's future with Alpine hangs in the balance as the team seeks a strong second driver to partner Pierre Gasly, especially with a switch to Mercedes power units in 2026.
• A reliable and contributing second driver is crucial for Alpine to capitalize on new F1 regulations and improve its competitive standing.
• The team's decision, expected by November, will significantly impact the driver lineup for a new era of F1.

The Details:

• Recent Incident: At the US Grand Prix, Colapinto ignored an Alpine team order to hold station against teammate Pierre Gasly, passing him for 17th place.
  • This move, though a minor 'chink in his armor,' is not expected to be a decisive factor in his long-term F1 future, as he's generally been a good team player.
• Driver Evaluation: Colapinto is currently being weighed against Alpine's highly-rated reserve driver Paul Aron.
  • Jack Doohan is now considered unlikely to return to an Alpine cockpit.
• FP1 Benchmarks: Both Colapinto and Aron will participate in the Mexico Grand Prix FP1 session, providing a direct comparison for Alpine.
  • Aron will also drive Gasly's car in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi season finale.
• Aron's Background: Aron is highly regarded by the Enstone squad, with extensive simulator work and a recent private test in an older Alpine car.
• Alpine's Challenges: The performance of Alpine's 2025 car is currently making driver evaluation difficult.
  • Colapinto has struggled with the car's balance and consistency, finding it 'difficult to drive' and hindering his ability to show true personal pace.

The Big Picture:

• Alpine is hopeful that the switch to Mercedes power units and F1's new rules era in 2026 will present opportunities for advancement.
• The team needs a second driver who can consistently contribute to on-track success, with prize money from midfield battles outweighing commercial backing.
• The current car's poor performance complicates a fair assessment of both drivers' true potential.

What's next:

• The upcoming FP1 sessions, particularly in Mexico, will be crucial as Alpine gathers data and benchmarks both Colapinto and Aron.
• Alpine aims to make its final 2026 driver decision by November, following the comprehensive evaluation of both talents.
• Resolving the car's performance issues will be vital for Alpine to accurately assess its drivers and build a competitive lineup for the future.