Overview
- In remarks to AS, Juan Pablo Montoya said Argentine sponsors, including Mercado Libre and Globant, enabled Franco Colapinto’s F1 seat and claimed Paul Aron would have been chosen with comparable backing.
- Multiple outlets, citing Motorsport, report Alpine is expected to confirm Colapinto for 2026 between Nov. 4 and 6 before the Brazilian Grand Prix, though no official announcement has been made.
- Season analyses note a clear step forward since the European summer break, with Colapinto frequently matching or beating teammate Pierre Gasly in an A525 described as limited.
- Alpine continues to center its plans on Gasly, who is contracted through at least 2028, while weighing Colapinto as his 2026 teammate based on performance evaluations.
- Montoya’s comments renewed scrutiny of sponsorship’s role in F1 driver choices, as journalists such as Leo Regueira countered that Colapinto is sustaining his place through results.