Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has revealed that he will contemplate making a move to sign Williams racer Franco Colapinto for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Colapinto conducted his F1 debut in unexpected circumstances earlier this year when Williams opted to have him replace Logan Sargeant with eight races remaining.
But while he excelled in his initial outings, Colapinto’s spell was never an audition to retain the place as Williams had agreed a deal to bring in Carlos Sainz in advance.
The Argentine’s swift adaption prompted him to be linked with a switch to the Red Bull stable, but huge crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas have seen its intrigue subside.
However, Alpine has been rumoured as a potential destination and Briatore was spotted in conversation with Colapinto at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier this month.
That has triggered speculation that Alpine could seek to move aside Jack Doohan, who made his F1 bow at the season finale, to put Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly.
Briatore has denied Doohan’s drive could be under threat heading into his rookie campaign, but he has indicated that its interest in Colapinto will be revisited for 2026.
When asked to explain his interest in Colapinto, Briatore told Auto Motor und Sport: “I’m interested in any driver who is fast. Colapinto surprised everyone.
“But we have contracts with Gasly, Doohan and [reserve driver, Paul] Aron for next season.
“If there was an opportunity to get Colapinto for 2026, you have to think about it.”
Alpine could baulk at Williams asking price
However, Briatore has implied that the reported sum that Williams is demanding to release Colapinto could be a sticking point that prevents a deal from materialising.
“Nevertheless, you always have to be careful when assessing drivers,” he continued. “In this sport, you quickly get hyped up after a good race.
“Then the price rises and suddenly we’re talking about 20 or 30 million dollars.
“The choice today is much greater than it used to be,” he highlighted. “Today, there are six to seven promising drivers in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
“We want to concentrate on the good ones in our academy and no longer run around with a watering can.
“It will probably come down to three drivers: Aron, [Gabriel] Mini and [Victor] Martins.”
Colapinto wants to race in 2025
Colapinto has expressed he would want to combine the extensive testing regime Williams has planned with racing in another series should he miss out on an F1 seat.
“I really want to still be racing and still be active,” Colapinto told media including Motorsport Week in Las Vegas last month.
“I want to be always part of the paddock. I think it’s very important. I love racing.
“If it’s not here, because there is not a chance for 2025. I hope to be around 2026 or 2027. I hope to be showing that I deserve a seat here.
“But if I cannot be racing. Instead of looking at the TV for 24 races. I would love to be driving a car as well.”
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