Franco Colapinto explores options outside F1 after Alpine struggles - report

Franco Colapinto has endured a difficult return to the Formula 1 grid, since replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine. Now, it is being reported that options away from F1 are already being explored. 

According to Formula 1 Magazine, Colapinto's days as an Alpine driver are numbered, with his management preparing for an exit from the pinnacle of motorsport. 

Whilst Colapinto looks set to race in the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break, it is increasingly unlikely he will be offered a seat by Alpine for 2026. 

As a result, it has been reported that the Argentinian's management team are exploring options in IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship, should Alpine end its partnership with him.

Colapinto has struggled ever since he replaced Jack Doohan from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and has failed to replicate the speed he demonstrated for Williams last year. 

At Williams, Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant from Monza until the end of the year, before being loaned to Alpine initially as its third and reserve driver.

Despite Colapinto having shown good pace in 2024, he experienced several major accidents. That has continued at Alpine. Colapinto crashed in Imola qualifying and also in Silverstone. 

However, his biggest crash of the year occurred last week at the Hungaroring, during a Pirelli tyre test. He crashed at the high-speed Turn 11, with images having shown a wrecked car. 

Colapinto visited the medical centre where he was deemed as OK, although it cost F1's tyre supplier significant data for next season's tyres. The pressure is mounting on Colapinto, with a future in F1 looking unlikely.