Bombazo! Franco Colapinto faces the pressure of Briatore and Alpine after losing an important sponsorship contract after rejecting an advertising offer of 199 million dollars from Tim Cook to promote the LGBT community. However, in his last interview, Colapinto has silenced Alpine not only, but to the entire F1 team.
The 2025 season of Formula 1 has brought with him one of the most intriguing stories of Paddock: the situation of the young Argentine pilot Franco Colapinto with the Alpine team. The Buenos Aires, who broke into the highest category of motor racing with a talent that surprised his own and strangers, is now in the center of a media storm after the loss of an important sponsorship contract for his team. According to sources close to the environment of the F1, the French team and its executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, are exerting a strong pressure on collapint after it rejected an advertising offer of 199 million dollars presented by the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, aimed at promoting the LGBT community. However, in a recent interview, the 22 -year -old pilot left everyone speechless, demonstrating that his approach is on the track and not in controversies.
Formula 1 has always been a scenario where talent, strategy and commercial interests converge, often generating unexpected tensions. In the case of Colapint, his arrival in Alpine in 2025 marked a milestone for Argentine motoring, but also placed it in a delicate position within a team that struggles to recover its competitiveness. Since his debut in 2024 with Williams, where he showed flashes of genius by adding points in several races, expectations about him have been very high. However, his transition to Alpine has not been as fluid as expected. The French team, led by the controversial Briatore, faces challenges both on the track and outside it, especially after the exit of three key sponsors: BP, Castrol and Kappa. This financial loss has put in check the economic stability of the team, and Collapint’s decision to reject the millionaire Apple’s offer has added more firewood to the fire.
The advertising offer, according to reports of Sports.amazingtody.net, came directly from Tim Cook, who proposed a 199 million dollars campaign to promote inclusion and diversity, focusing on the LGBT community. The proposal would not only have meant an economic impulse for Alpine, but also a platform to raise the global profile of the team. However, Colapinto, for reasons that have not yet been completely clarified, decided not to accept the agreement. This decision unleashed an immediate reaction within Alpine, with BriTore, known for its pragmatic and sometimes implacable approach, leading criticism. In a recent statement to Sport Bild, the Italian expressed his frustration: “I’m always looking for the best options for us. Pierre [Gasly] did a great job last season, and we are starting the new season with him and Jack [Doohan]. But who knows what will happen.” These words, loaded with ambiguity, reflect the pressure facing Colapinto, whose seat in Alpine seems to be constant evaluation.
Despite criticism, Colapinto has demonstrated an admirable mental strength. In a recent interview, whose words resonated throughout the paddock, the Argentine responded with serenity and determination. “I am here to run, to improve and take Alpine as high as possible. Criticisms are part of the game, but my approach is in the car and in the results,” he said, according to TN.com.ar. This statement not only silenced the detractors within their team, but also sent a clear message to the F1 community: Colapinto is not intimidated by external pressures. His attitude reflects the maturity of a young pilot who, despite the challenges, is determined to consolidate himself in the queen category of motor racing.
Alpine’s context is not easy. The team, which was once a solid contender in the F1, has faced a complicated 2025 season. The discreet results of Colapinto, which has not yet added points with the team, have been a friction point. According to Motorpasion.com, the Argentine is one of the few pilots who has not scored so far this year, with his best result being a thirteenth place. However, the difficulties of Alpine’s car, considered one of the least competitive grill, cannot be ignored. As Collapinto himself pointed out in an interview with El Unapa, “the car’s performance must improve a lot, and the priority is not to break anything to evolve little by little.” This pragmatic mentality shows that the pilot understands the limits of his car and is working to adapt to circumstances.
The relationship between Colapinto and Briatore is another aspect that keeps fans in suspense. The Italian, known for his ability to move the threads in the world of F1, was key in the arrival of the Argentine to Alpine, paying a termination clause of approximately 10 million dollars to Williams, according to elcorrentino.com.ar. However, your support is not unconditional. Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 pilot, launched forceful criticism against BriTore management style, stating in an interview with Bild that “the time of figures like Flavio has been left behind. What is needed are leaders with solid technical background.” These words, reported by GPFANS.com, suggest that the future of Colapint in Alpine could be linked to BriTore, who faces his own pressure within the equipment after changes in the Renault dome.
Despite controversies, there are reasons for optimism. Formula 1, through its official site, described the contractual situation of Colapinto as “a more open situation” with Pierre Gasly, suggesting the possibility of continuing in 2026. Briatore itself has fed this expectation, declaring Next-Genauto: “Franco Colapinto will get behind the wheel sooner or later.” These words suggest that, despite the current challenges, the Italian continues to see potential in the Argentine. In addition, the Collapinto Multiannual Contract with Alpine, although initially as a reserve pilot, gives it a solid platform to fight for a starting seat in the near future.
The impact of collapth transcends the sports. His ability to attract sponsors, thanks to his charisma and popularity in social networks, is an asset that Alpine cannot ignore. According to 442.perfil.com, the Argentine could be the solution to the team’s financial crisis, since his presence on the track attracts millions in sponsorships. This combination of talent and commercial value makes it a unique figure in modern F1, capable of generating interest both on and off the track.
While Colapinto prepares for the next races, such as the Canada and Austria Grand Prix, attention is put in its ability to reverse discrete results and consolidate its place in Alpine. Its history is a reminder that Formula 1 is not only about speed, but also of resilience and strategy against the pressures of the environment. With an undeniable talent and a focused mentality, Colapinto is demonstrating that he is ready to face the challenges, silenced his critics with each return on the track. The world of F1 is looking forward to seeing how this young Argentine writes the next chapter of his career.