Franco Colapinto delivered a funny remark on Pierre Gasly’s Instagram post featuring a group photo of drivers and their families from the Pierre Gasly F1 movie premiere. The photo, shared ahead of the film’s launch, captured many faces from the Formula 1 community, with Colapinto notably surprised by his own apparent height in the back row.
The upcoming F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is scheduled to be released on June 27 and offers a fictional storyline rooted in Formula 1, alongside actual race footage from the 2024 season. Prior to the global release, a high-profile screening took place in New York, drawing drivers, team members, and family members to the event.
Gasly posted the large group image on his Instagram, which caught Colapinto’s attention due to how tall he appeared. His reaction was captured in a brief but telling comment on the post.
“Wow I’m so tall,” Colapinto said in the comments.
In the picture, the Argentine driver seems to be elevated, possibly standing on an object that gave him extra height. Apart from this, Colapinto humorously photobombed Gasly and his girlfriend Kika’s photo, carrying two large bags in his hands. Both drivers are teammates at Alpine, with Colapinto having joined as a reserve initially.
Since replacing Jack Doohan at the Imola Grand Prix, Colapinto’s continued presence in the team remains under evaluation, with Alpine expected to decide on his status ahead of the British Grand Prix.
Flavio Briatore Defends Colapinto Amid Speculation About Alpine Future
After Franco Colapinto took over from Jack Doohan at the Imola GP under a five-race trial agreement, rumors began circulating about his long-term future at Alpine. Argentine media outlet La Voz del Interior hinted at uncertainty regarding his position on the team.
Alpine’s executive advisor and interim team principal, Flavio Briatore, strongly criticized the media for spreading unsubstantiated stories about Colapinto and the team. Addressing these rumors in an interview with Planet F1, Briatore expressed his frustration.
“I don’t think there are any rumours. The team is fine with Franco and that’s it. Franco is part of the team, I don’t know what rumours they are talking about. The problem is that the press publishes a lot of rubbish. It’s your fault, not ours. All these things come from Argentina and the people there. You should blame yourselves. You are the ones who put up so much bullsh*t, that Franco this and Franco that; it’s up to you. In fact, if you go on like this, it’s not good for Franco either.”
Earlier, Briatore had dismissed the idea that Colapinto was on a strictly limited trial contract, clarifying that those reports were inaccurate and that the driver remains part of Alpine’s plans.
Significance of Colapinto’s Role and Next Steps for Alpine
The buzz around Franco Colapinto’s future at Alpine continues to evoke strong reactions within the team’s leadership. His surprise elevation in the F1 premiere group photo and his growing presence on the race grid highlight his rising profile in the sport. As the season progresses, Alpine’s review prior to the British GP will be critical in determining whether Colapinto retains his race seat for the remainder of the year.
The friendly atmosphere at the premiere and Colapinto’s playful interaction with Gasly contrast with the underlying tension regarding his place in the team. With Alpine firmly supporting their driver, the official decision will likely shape both Colapinto’s career trajectory and Alpine’s competitive strategy this season.
