Formula 1 prepares to roar in the iconic Enzo and Dino Ferrari autodrome, and Alpine F1 has turned on social networks with its secret weapon: Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine pilot, only 21 years old, has become the center of attention after his confirmation as a starter with Pierre Gasly for the next five races, starting with the Emilia-Romaña Grand Prix this May 18. With a new explosive video on Instagram, Alpine has unleashed a wave of enthusiasm among fans, and Colapinto seems to be eclipsed even his experienced French companion.
Franco Colapinto’s story is one of those that inspire. After breaking into Formula 1 in 2024 with Williams, where he played nine races and added five points, Pilar’s pilot ran out of titular seat by 2025. However, his talent did not go unnoticed. Alpine signed him as a pilot reserves in January, and now, after a start of Jack Doohan, the French team has decided to give him the opportunity to shine as a headline. The decision, promoted by the executive advisor Flavio Briatore, has generated a huge expectation, especially in Argentina, where Colapinto is a rising idol.
The official Alpine announcement, published on May 7, not only confirmed the change of alignment, but unleashed a storm on social networks. A recent video on the official Instagram of Alpine, starring Colapinto, shows the Argentine preparing for imola with a contagious energy. The images, which capture him training in the simulator and testing an A523 car in Zandvoort, have accumulated thousands of likes and comments in a matter of hours. Fans, especially Latin Americans, have not spared praise, with phrases like “Come on, Nene!” And “43 is back” flooding the publication.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine’s number one pilot, has been a key figure for the team, adding seven points so far in the 2025 season. However, in this prior to the Imola Grand Prix, the attention has been diverted towards his new partner. Although Gasly expressed his enthusiasm to return to Icola, a circuit that describes as “of the old school” and one of his favorites, his message has almost unnoticed in front of the fury generated by Colapinto. “I’ve been working on the simulator and with the team to prepare. The goal is to add points,” said Gasly. But in networks, it is the Argentine who takes the headlines.
The contrast is remarkable. While Gasly, a veteran with more than 150 large awards, maintains a more reserved profile, Collapinto radiates freshness and charisma. Its connection with fans, especially in Latin America, has been a key factor for Alpine, which seeks to capitalize on growing interest in the region. According to analysts, the arrival of Colapinto could shoot the audiences in ESPN Latin America, as happened in 2024 during his debut in Monza.
Imala is not any circuit for collapint. The Argentine has a brilliant history in this layout, with victories in Formula 3 (2022) and Formula 2 (2024). “It is a legendary circuit, with incredible curves. I am looking forward to piloting a F1 there,” he said in an Alpine statement. His previous experience and his recent test in Zandvoort with a 2023 car position it as a candidate to surprise, even in front of a gasly that still seeks consistency in a competitive but irregular Alpine A525.
The Emilia-Romaña Grand Prix marks the beginning of a triple header (Icola, Monaco, Spain), a fire test for Colapint. With a transition team after the resignation of his boss, Oliver Oakes, and the arrival of Briatore as an interim leader, expectations are in the clouds. “Franco is one of the best young talents of motor racing,” said Briatore, who has opted strong for the Argentine.
Alpine’s strategy in networks has not only raised the popularity of Colapinto, but has also reinforced the image of the team as an innovative and close to fans. The hashtag #returns the43 has viralized, and publications in X highlight the emotion of the Argentines to see their compatriot back on the grill. This fervor not only benefits Alpine in terms of exposure, but could also translate into an economic impulse, with sponsors such as YPF and Mercado Libre supporting the pilot.
As Icola approaches, one thing is clear: Franco Colapinto is not just a pilot, it is a phenomenon. With Gasly as a partner and the support of a passionate hobby, the Argentine is ready to write a new chapter in his مراسم 1,300 likes on Instagram are not enough for this article. Share and let us know what you think in the comments! Do you think Colapinto can overcome Gasly in Icola? 🏎️💨 #F1 #colapinto #alpine #imola
