Overview
- In an interview with AS, Juan Pablo Montoya said Franco Colapinto reached F1 thanks to backing from Mercado Libre and Globant and asserted that Paul Aron would hold the seat with equivalent funding.
- Alpine has not announced Colapinto’s 2026 status, with local reports indicating a decision could be communicated in the days leading up to São Paulo.
- Team and media assessments note Colapinto’s post-summer gains, including sessions where he matched or outpaced Pierre Gasly, which has factored into renewal discussions.
- Montoya’s remarks continue a pattern of criticism dating back to his comments after the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix and earlier dismissive evaluations of the Argentine’s performances.
- Focus now shifts to Interlagos on November 7–9, where Colapinto is one of only two current Latin American drivers alongside Gabriel Bortoleto and regional interest is expected to be high.