After a British Grand Prix that ended in the worst possible way for Franco Colapinto, as he was not even able to start due to failures in his single-seater. In this situation, rumors emerged indicating that Alpine had initiated contact with Valtteri Bottas, current reserve driver for Mercedes Benz, to take the Argentine's place in the second half of the Formula 1 season.
Bottas suena como nuevo refuerzo de Alpine
The rumors gained traction thanks to Bottas himself and Toto Wolff, but the French team replied. Flavio Briatore, team leader, spoke with the media outlet Motorsports and not only categorically denied these talks, but also sought to reassure the young Argentine driver.
"I have no information of that kind," Briatore replied when asked about a possible arrival of the Finn. "Absolutely not," the executive emphasized, making it clear that there is no negotiation for Bottas, who has not raced this year in Formula 1 due to the presence of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, to join the team.
Despite praising Bottas's career, Briatore expressed confidence in turning around Alpine's difficult moment, which currently occupies last place in the constructors' championship, with the current duo: "He's a good driver, but for now we have our own drivers," he stated.
Briatore apoya a su dupla titular
Alpine's gesture of support for Colapinto
After Colapinto's retirement at the start of the British Grand Prix, Alpine shared a message on its social media to publicly support the Argentine and focus on what's next: "A race that ended before it began. So it's a shame to see Franco Colapinto's race end the way it did. Let's go for them in the next one."
El posteo de Alpine en X
In the same vein, Colapinto himself remained calm despite the frustration, and after the race he expressed: "I feel a bit frustrated for not being able to start, a bit sad about that, let's keep working. We have to keep working, it's a shame. There will be tracks that I like, that I enjoy driving."
Next challenge on the calendar
The Argentine now has several weeks to put the bad experience behind him and prepare for his return. The next commitment will be the Belgian Grand Prix, from July 25 to 27. It will be a special weekend: the third with a sprint format this season, at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, one of the fastest and most technical in the championship. There, Colapinto will seek revenge after a Sunday in which he was unable to compete.
