Franco Colapinto has expressed concerns about the exceptionally short five-race contract given to him by Alpine, highlighting how Carlos Sainz needed ten races to adapt fully to his car. Colapinto, recently signed to replace Jack Doohan at Alpine, stressed that the limited timeframe puts significant pressure on any driver to perform immediately in Formula 1.
The Alpine team’s decision to offer Colapinto just five races, ending after the Austrian Grand Prix, has surprised many in the racing community, especially since the move to replace Doohan was widely anticipated but not expected to come with such a brief trial period. Colapinto acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing that fully settling into an F1 car typically demands more time, referencing Sainz’s adaptation period as a clear example.
Colapinto said before his second race at Imola.
He continued,
At the same press conference, Oscar Piastri, who had previously been linked to Alpine but never raced for them, echoed similar views about the difficulty of proving oneself in such a short window. He highlighted the tough circumstances faced not only by Colapinto but also by Doohan, suggesting that five races barely scratch the surface of potential performance.
Piastri noted.
Colapinto’s remarks underline a broader issue in Formula 1 where adapting to complex machinery often requires patience and gradual progress. Carlos Sainz’s experience, needing ten races to truly familiarize himself with his car, sets a realistic benchmark that contrasts sharply with Alpine’s rapid evaluation strategy. This approach raises questions about whether drivers can be fairly assessed or given enough time to showcase their skills under immense pressure.
Looking ahead, the consequences of Alpine’s short-term contract decision for Colapinto could influence his ability to perform optimally, while also spotlighting the high-stakes environment drivers face in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. How effectively Colapinto adapts within this constrained period will likely determine his staying power with Alpine and shape conversations about driver development in the sport’s elite tier.
