Rumors surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future in Formula 1 are heating up as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaches. The Argentine driver, currently a reserve for Alpine, may be closer to returning to the grid than expected, amid growing uncertainty around Jack Doohan, the young starter who has yet to convince the French team.

The 21-year-old Colapinto signed with Alpine as a reserve driver at the beginning of 2025 after completing nine Grand Prix appearances with Williams the previous season. Since then, he’s been actively involved in simulations, promotional events, and team sessions, patiently waiting for his chance to get back on track.

Talks about a possible debut in Imola gained traction this week after Horacio Marín, president of YPF —one of Colapinto’s main sponsors—, casually mentioned off-camera that the driver might be racing in the upcoming event. Though Marín later clarified it was a personal wish rather than official news, his words sparked excitement among Argentine fans.

Colapinto Eyes F1 Opportunity

When asked during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes acknowledged the rumors but remained cautious. “I saw it like everyone else — an Argentine sponsor expressing a personal opinion. It’s normal that fans in Argentina want to see him race,” he said. Oakes reaffirmed that Doohan remains their current driver but admitted that the team constantly evaluates performance.

Pressure has been mounting on the Australian due to underwhelming results and recent friction with the team. In Miami, he failed to progress past the first qualifying round of the Sprint, securing only 17th place. This disappointing performance contrasts with the growing internal support Colapinto enjoys within the Enstone-based team.

Adding to the speculation, Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore didn’t rule out potential changes: “We have three drivers, including Paul Aron. We assess race by race and will decide accordingly.” Briatore also emphasized the high-stakes nature of the sport: “Pressure? That’s Formula 1.”

Alpine, currently enduring a difficult season with just one points finish —a seventh-place by Pierre Gasly in Bahrain— is actively seeking ways to improve its performance in the midfield battle. In this context, Colapinto’s name is gaining momentum as a serious contender.

While there is no official confirmation yet, the signs suggest that the Argentine might get his chance sooner rather than later. A debut at Imola no longer sounds like a fantasy — it’s shaping up to be a real and timely possibility that could open a new chapter in his career.