Formula 1 has always been a stage with emerging talents struggling to excel in the midst of pressure, speed and expectations. In 2025 there is one name that finds strong resonance in the Paddock: that of the Argentinian Franco Colapinto, a young driver who has attracted the attention of key figures in motorsport. Laurent Mekies, the new team boss of Red Bull Racing, surprised everyone by declaring that Colapinto’s current level that surpasses Yuki Tsunoda, a statement that has not gone unnoticed and has caused the highest class of motorsport. But what really shocked Formula 1 was the immediate reaction of Max Verstappen, the four -time world champion, with nine words that everyone was talking about: “Colapinto is fast, but he needs a competitive car.”
Laurent Mekies, trained as an engineer and with more than 25 years of experience in motorsport, took over the position of Principal of Red Bull Racing after the unexpected departure of Christian Horner in July 2025. His arrival marked a turning point for the Austrian team, which wants to consolidate a new era of success. Mekies, known for his ability to understand drivers and translating their needs into the technical side of the team, has quickly made statements that generate a lot of attention. In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, he expressed his confidence in the talent of Colapinto: “Franco has enormous potential. His speed and consistency on the track are impressive, and I think he is currently a step for Tsunoda in terms of pure performance.” This opinion, from someone with Mekies’ experience in teams such as Ferrari and the FIA, is not something that can be ignored.
The only 22-year-old Argentin has proven in Formula 1 in his short time that he is not a average Rookie. From his debut at Williams in 2024, where he scored points in Azerbaijan, to his switch to Alpine in 2025, Colapinto made an impression with his ability to adapt to less competitive cars and to get the most out of it. During this year’s Grand Prix of Canada, for example, he managed to qualify tenth, a milestone for a driver who is struggling with the limitations of the Alpine A525, a car that is struggling with a less powerful Renault engine and aerodynamic problems.
The statement of Mekies not only increases the appearance of Colapinto, but also puts the performance of Yuki Tsunoda, driver at Racing Bulls, the Red Bull sister team for discussion. Tsunoda, who has been driving in Formula 1 for several seasons, has been criticized for his inconsistency and because he does not optimally use the opportunities the team offers him. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has been particularly strict for the Japanese and noted that his performance did not meet expectations in 2025. In this context, the words of Mekies get extra weight, which suggests that Colapinto could be a stronger option for the future, even for a team of Red Bulls Allure.
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. Tsunoda defended his work in a statement to Motorsport.com: “I respect Laurents’s opinion, but I believe that my experience and knowledge of the car are valuable. I work on it every day to improve.” Despite his reaction, the pressure on the Japanese driver is clear, especially with rumors that his Racing Bulls seat could be at the journey in 2026 when Honda stops the delivery of engines to the team.
The controversy did not end with Mekies’ comments. Max Verstappen, the undisputed figurehead of Red Bull, did not stay quiet after the fuss that arose from the praise for Colapinto. In a short but powerful explanation during the Grand Prix of Belgium, Verstappen said: “Colapinto is fast, but he needs a competitive car.” These nine words, pronounced with the authority of a four -time world champion, not only recognize the talent of the Argentinian, but also point to the biggest obstacle with which he has to deal with: the limited performance of the Alpine A525.
Verstappen’s remark reminds us of the reality of Formula 1, where the talent of a driver can be overshadowed by the shortcomings of his car. Alpine, which is currently the latter in the constructors’ championship with only 11 points, is struggling with mechanical problems, including transmission problems that Colapinto found in Silverstone and Barcelona, and an engine that, according to Infobae, has between 20 and 40 hp less than that of Mercedes, Honda and Ferrari. Despite these limitations, Colapinto has shown flashes of grandeur, as when he put teammate Pierre Gasly overrophed on the Red Bull Ring and even with a damaged car.
Mekies ’support statement to Colapinto is not only a personal recognition; It also reflects the ambitions of Alpine for the Argentinian. Flavio Briatore, the executive adviser to the French team, was a key figure at the arrival of Colapinto and arranged a five -year loan from Williams. Briatore, known for his discovery of talents such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, sees Colapinto as a driver with the potential to reach the absolute top. “Franco is a rough diamond. With the right support, he can be among the best,” said Briatore in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
Alpine’s plan for 2025 includes maximizing colapinto’s performance in the remaining 12 races of the season, such as Pablo Sibilla, CEO of Renault Argentina, confirmed to La Nacion. In addition, the team is working on technical improvements for the A525, although the current restrictions ensure that progress is slow. Before 2026, Alpine will take a daring step by implementing Mercedes engines, a decision that could close the gap with the leading teams and give Colapinto a more competitive car.
The Colapinto phenomenon is not limited to its performance on the circuit. In Argentina, his presence in Formula 1 has unleashed a feverish atmosphere that has not been seen since the time of Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann. Thousands of Argentinian fans have traveled to circuits such as Imola and Spa to support their idol, which created a “blue-white tidal wave” that has conquered the Paddock Stormender. This massive support, combined with the support of sponsors such as Carlos Slim Jr., strengthens according to Infobae Colapinto’s position as a commercially attractive driver.
However, the road is not without challenges. Rumors about a possible replacement for Valtteri Bottas did the round, although Briatore denied it categorically: “We have our drivers for the time being.” Moreover, the future of Colapinto remains uncertain before 2026, with speculation about a possible return to Williams or even a switch to Cadillac, the new team that appears at the start.
Formula 1 is a world where talent, opportunities and strategy come together. The words of Mekies and Verstappen have put Colapinto central in the discussion, but his success will depend on his ability to keep impressing in a car with a limited edition and the decisions that Alpine will make in the coming months. With the support of figures such as Briatore and the enthusiasm of a country behind him, Colapinto has everything to become a star. The question now is: Can Alpine give him the car he needs to shine? Time will, as always in Formula 1, decide.
