Colapinto's future uncertain: Potential replacement already waiting at Alpine?

After impressing at Williams in 2024 after replacing Logan Sargeant, there were no seats left at the British team. Colapinto therefore signed with Alpine and as a reserve driver, and he replaced Jack Doohan ahead of Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Since then, he has had a tough run of form, crashing in Qualifying in Imola, and finishing outside of the top 10 on all three occasions.

With 0 points, he is also now last in the drivers' standings, leading to his position at the team also getting more uncertain. Team boss Flavio Briatore indicated that Colapinto's future depends on his performances. "

2025 is a year we need to prepare ourselves for 2026. So whatever experiment I need doing, we’re doing. I don’t know at this moment if Franco will stay for the season or not, but let’s see," he said.

Should Colapinto be replaced, former member of the Mercedes Junior Team, Paul Aron, appears to be the most logical candidate to be Pierre Gasly's third teammate of the season.

Aron was one of the four reserve drivers for Alpine at the start of 2025, together with Colapinto, Kush Maini, and Ryo Hirakawa. Colapinto has since replaced Doohan, and Hirakawa left for Haas.

The previous season, Paul Aron finished third in the Formula 2 championship, only behind Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).

Yesterday, the youngster could also test the Alpine A523 in Monza.

This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi