Formula 1: Colapinto's gesture that could secure his starting position at Alpine in 2026

Franco Colapinto is preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix with one certainty: his progress at Alpine is evident. Although he hasn't scored any points yet, the Argentine has shown that he is on par with Pierre Gasly, the team's benchmark, and he has even managed to outperform him on track on several occasions.

The outlook, however, is complex. With the Frenchman's contract secured until 2028, the second seat will be decided between Colapinto and Paul Aron, the reserve driver. The decision will be in the hands of Flavio Briatore, the team's strongman, and these weeks are decisive for the future of the driver from Pilar in Formula 1.

Amid the tension, Franco also finds time to relax. next weekend he shared a jet ski outing in the Mediterranean with Nathan Falco, Briatore's son, with whom he has formed a friendship. The young Italian posted images on his social media that Colapinto himself shared.

In a somewhat adverse context, this gesture could add more than it seems regarding his starting position for next season. A good relationship with the Briatore family could end up weighing heavily when it comes to choosing between the Argentine and the Estonian.

Beyond speculation, the native of Pilar clings to his growth and to the possibility of continuing to prove that he can go against the odds with a car that is among the weakest on the grid. If he keeps that trend and avoids mistakes, only the official announcement will remain for his place in the category to be confirmed.

When Colapinto will race again

After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the top category will return to action next weekend with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place from Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 5th at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Last year, in his debut season with Williams, the Argentine finished 11th on this track, just one position away from the points.