Alpine reflects on a challenging race weekend in Austria. After another scoreless race, the French racing team remains at the bottom of the World Championship. In particular, Franco Colapinto, who was called up earlier this year to replace rookie Jack Doohan, is underperforming. According to British media, a new driver change is in the works – Alpine boss Flavio Briatore may potentially gamble on Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas.
The usually well-informed The Race reports that Valtteri Bottas is currently the ‘main candidate’ to replace Colapinto. Flavio Briatore, who has been wielding the scepter in Enstone since team boss Oliver Oakes left, is said to have already contacted Mercedes about the availability of the Finn. It is expected that a move to Alpine will not be an obstacle, provided Bottas is offered a full-time seat.
Alpine teams up with Mercedes
Bottas is currently mainly used to guide rookie Kimi Antonelli during his debut year in Formula 1. In addition, the eccentric driver serves as a PR cannon for Mercedes; with amusing videos, he plays a prominent role in the team’s marketing. What could potentially facilitate a move to Alpine is the team’s upcoming transition to Mercedes engines. While Alpine currently uses its own Renault power source, it will become a customer team from 2026 and thus dependent on the Silberpfeile.
Although no deal has been closed yet, Briatore is currently evaluating all options. After all, Colapinto’s arrival has brought him little. In Austria too, the Argentine had to pull out all the stops to avoid finishing last. Bottas, on the other hand, is said to be eager to get back into action. His name is circulating not only at Alpine; Cadillac is also said to have the ten-time race winner on the radar for a seat in 2026. If he makes the move, he reportedly wants guarantees that he will also be on the grid in 2026. To be continued.
