Alpine’s Tipping Point: Will Franco Colapinto Be Replaced by Valtteri Bottas?

The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to mid-season drama, driver swaps, and internal politics that would rival any corporate boardroom. And in the middle of the 2025 season, Alpine finds itself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty — not just about its performance, but more pressingly, about the driver lineup. The spotlight is firmly on Franco Colapinto, whose recent struggles have sparked intense speculation about his future, with Valtteri Bottas emerging as a serious contender for his seat.

Colapinto’s Struggles Under Pressure

Franco Colapinto, once heralded as a rising star following a brief but promising stint with Williams, now finds his position at Alpine increasingly unstable. What was initially viewed as a strategic move to give a young talent a platform to grow has turned into a cautionary tale about the perils of premature promotion.

The low point, perhaps, came at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, where Colapinto’s crash symbolized more than just a racing error — it represented the crumbling confidence both the team and its fans have in the young Argentinian. Flavio Briatore, the flamboyant and controversial Alpine team boss, was seen visibly frustrated, hands buried in his face, as his driver once again failed to finish a race in the points.

There’s no hiding Alpine’s disappointment. With Pierre Gasly the only regular point-scorer, the team’s second seat has effectively become a liability in the Constructors’ Championship. For a team desperate to climb out of the midfield and into contention, such inconsistency is unacceptable.

Bottas in the Wings

Meanwhile, a familiar face looms large: Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver, best known for his steady hand at Mercedes during the hybrid era, is now reportedly in active talks with Alpine. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, even confirmed recent discussions with Briatore, stating, “We’ve had discussions with Alpine multiple times… It seems that the interest in Valtteri is increasing even more.”

For Bottas, Alpine could represent a golden opportunity to reassert himself as a relevant force in Formula 1. With Cadillac’s entry into the sport looming and their intentions unclear, Bottas risks missing out on both opportunities if he hesitates too long. A return to a more stable and established outfit like Alpine — especially one adopting Mercedes power units in 2026 — might be his best strategic move.

From Alpine’s perspective, Bottas brings more than just experience. He offers technical knowledge of Mercedes engines, a cool head under pressure, and the ability to consistently qualify and finish in the points — something Colapinto has failed to demonstrate. During his time at Mercedes, Bottas never missed Q3 and bagged 10 race wins. For a team like Alpine, even half of that consistency would mark a major upgrade.

Sergio Perez: The Other Candidate

But Bottas isn’t the only name on Alpine’s radar. Sergio Perez, another experienced campaigner, has also been floated as a possible replacement. Perez brings his own set of advantages: years of experience, a proven race winner, and perhaps most importantly, major financial backing through sponsors like Claro. Given Alpine’s desire for both performance and financial stability, the Mexican might be a compelling option.

Still, Perez’s recent form has been erratic, and his relationship with Red Bull has deteriorated, making his future equally uncertain. Would Alpine prefer the steadiness and technical finesse of Bottas or the marketability and aggression of Perez?

Colapinto’s Last Stand?

Despite the mounting pressure, Colapinto is not bowing out quietly. In a recent interview, he acknowledged his underwhelming performances but maintained a level of composure that belies the turmoil around him: “I’m not very concerned about not being in the car for the Belgian Grand Prix. I just need to keep working and help the team improve the car.”

It’s a commendable attitude, but optimism alone may not be enough to save his seat. His current contract has already shifted to a race-to-race basis after expiring post-Austria, a clear signal that Alpine’s patience is running thin. While his signing with Claro might help politically, it’s unlikely to compensate for the series of crashes and non-points finishes that have plagued his short tenure.

Alpine’s Bigger Picture

For Alpine, the stakes are higher than just one driver. The team has aspirations of returning to competitiveness and becoming a strong customer of Mercedes engines by 2026. That transformation requires not just upgrades in machinery but in talent as well. Colapinto, for all his potential, does not appear ready to be part of that journey.

Meanwhile, the team is looking toward consistency and performance in the short term — finishing P6 or better in the Constructors’ Championship — and building a credible challenge for 2026. In that context, choosing a seasoned driver like Bottas makes strategic sense.

The team’s recent history only adds urgency to the situation. Remember the high of 2023’s Brazil GP, where Gasly and Esteban Ocon delivered podium-worthy performances? That now feels like a distant memory, as Alpine languishes behind even the likes of Haas in recent races. Reinvigorating the team with a proven talent might be the only way forward.

Risks and Rewards for Bottas

Of course, for Bottas, this move comes with its own gamble. Joining Alpine means turning his back on Cadillac’s flashy, American-backed project that promises big funding and a long-term vision. But as yet, it lacks stability and track record. If Cadillac ends up passing on Bottas for someone younger — like Mick Schumacher — he might find himself without a seat at all by 2026.

Hence, the Alpine seat might be his most secure and sensible option, especially as his relationship with Mercedes and Wolff remains strong. And let’s not forget: a move to Alpine would give him a head start on adapting to the Mercedes power unit integration before 2026.

Conclusion: Change is Coming

As the summer break approaches, Alpine faces a monumental decision. Do they continue to place faith in Colapinto, hoping he matures in time to become the star they once envisioned? Or do they cut their losses and bring in a battle-hardened professional like Bottas or Perez to stabilize the ship?

In a sport as unforgiving as Formula 1, history suggests that sentiment rarely wins out over performance. Unless Colapinto pulls off a string of surprising results in the next few races, the writing may already be on the wall.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Alpine’s next move could shape not just the trajectory of one driver’s career, but the future of the team itself. Buckle up — the silly season just got serious.

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