Formula 1 shakes with news that has left the paddock in suspense: Franco Colapinto, the young Argentine talent, has officially signed with Red Bull for the 2026 season, leaving Alpine and Flavio Briatore in a situation of contained fury. The decision, confirmed in the last hours, marks an unexpected turn in the 22 -year -old pilot’s career, who had been a key bet of Alpine after passing through Williams in 2024. The French team, which invested 20 million dollars to ensure it as a reserve and then as a holder for five races in 2025, is now before a strategic setback that has unleashed internal tensions.
Colapinto, known for its speed and charisma, had raised a clear condition to remain in Alpine: guarantees of a competitive car by 2026, when the new technical regulations could redefine the grill. However, the discrete results of the team in 2025, added to the lack of points of the Argentine in their first races, fed rumors about their future. Red Bull, who was looking for a solid partner for Max Verstappen after the departure of Sergio Pérez, did not hesitate to present an irresistible offer that included a multiannual contract and the opportunity to fight for victories in a dominant team. According to nearby sources, Christian Horner, head of Red Bull, saw in Colapint a talent capable of complementing the tetracampeon, something that the Argentine could not ignore.
The reaction in Alpine was swift. Flavio Briatore, executive advisor and key figure in the incorporation of Colapinto, expressed his frustration to what he considers a betrayal. “Franco was part of the project, we trust him,” the Italian would have declared, according to specialized media. The departure of the Argentine, backed by Argentine sponsors such as Globant, leaves Alpine in a delicate position, especially after the structural changes in the team, such as the exit of the CEO Luca de Meo and the transition to Mercedes engines by 2026. The collapint decision also doubts the continuity of Briatore, whose leadership has been questioned after the lean results of the team.
In the paddock, the opinions are divided. While some see the collapint movement as a logical step towards a winning team, others criticize the lack of loyalty to Alpine, which opted for him at a crucial moment. For the Argentine, this opportunity represents a dream: compete next to Verstappen and consolidate as a rising star. With the support of Argentine fans and a booming Latin American market, Colapinto prepares for a 2026 that could mark a before and after in his career. Alpine, meanwhile, must redefine your strategy and find a replacement that keeps your ambition to return to the top.
