Colapinto makes Alpine debut in TPC program at Barcelona

Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s F1 advisor, shared a video on Instagram confirming that Franco Colapinto had driven the team’s 2023-spec car as part of a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. The outing marked the Argentinian's first appearance with Alpine since joining its ranks from Williams earlier this year.

The 21-year-old is currently a backup option for Alpine’s race drivers, Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, in the event either is unable to compete in a Grand Prix. He is part of a reserve driver pool that also includes Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron.

However, Colapinto’s test has sparked speculation regarding his future within the team. Briatore is known for making decisive moves, leading to questions over Doohan’s position. The Australian is preparing for his first full F1 season with Alpine, but some believe Colapinto could be an alternative should Doohan struggle in 2025.

Colapinto competed in nine races for Williams in 2024, scoring points in Azerbaijan and the United States. Alpine has yet to issue an official statement regarding his test at Barcelona.

Sports finance expert Dr Rob Wilson believes Colapinto’s strong commercial backing could influence Alpine’s decision-making, citing historical precedents of sponsorship-driven seat allocations in Formula 1.

Wilson told Grosvenor Sport: “Franco Colapinto can 100% force the hand of Alpine thanks to his sponsorships. The best example we've got of that happening was with Juan Pablo Montoya when he was at Williams. He essentially bought his seat because of the sponsorship it brought. What teams are looking for are drivers with a big profile that can attract these sponsors.”

Wilson highlighted the financial impact of such deals on F1 driver contracts: “When we see the multi-million-pound paychecks that they're on, they're typically not even paid for by the team. It's the sponsors that the athlete brings in that generate the revenue for them to be paid."

Wilson explained: “In South America, Colapinto is a huge name and is bringing significant sponsorship revenue with him. That will undoubtedly impact the mechanics and dynamics of the way the team operates. They will be hoping that he's able to deliver on track because he’s had mixed performances so far – but his high profile absolutely plays into Alpine’s plans."

Wilson added that commercial backing could further accelerate Colapinto’s rise through the F1 ranks, provided he performs well: “We’ve seen drivers essentially buy their seat in the car through sponsorship revenue, but it all comes down to track performance and whether Alpine can put a competitive car on the grid.

“If you put a talented driver in a relatively decent car, then he’ll be able to climb into one of the bigger teams and probably advance more quickly than drivers who may be slightly better than him, simply because of the revenue he brings with his sponsors.”

While Alpine has made no indications of a potential driver switch, Colapinto’s growing profile and financial backing ensure he remains a key name to watch in the team’s long-term plans. For now, Doohan aims to impress while Alpine's new reserve looms in the wings.