Alpine signs Franco Colapinto: €20m deal could unlock Sergio Perez sponsors
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Alpine signs Franco Colapinto for the F1 2025 season as reserve driver in a €20 million deal, potentially unlocking lucrative sponsorship opportunities from Sergio Perez’s backers.
Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto as their reserve driver for the F1 2025 season in a €20 million ($20.5 million) deal. The signing could bring several of Sergio Perez’s key sponsors to the team, potentially tapping into the lucrative Latin American market.
Franco Colapinto joins Alpine after impressive 2024 performances
Colapinto caught the attention of top teams after an impressive stint with Williams in the second half of the 2024 season. The Argentine replaced Logan Sargeant following the Dutch Grand Prix and scored points in Azerbaijan and the United States, earning praise across the paddock.
Despite being briefly linked to Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull, Alpine adviser Flavio Briatore ensured Colapinto’s signature was secured. The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal with Alpine after what his management team described as “very intense” negotiations.
Impact on Jack Doohan’s future with Alpine
The arrival of Colapinto raises questions about the future of Jack Doohan, who is set to begin his first full season with Alpine in 2025. Doohan’s contract reportedly covers only the first six races of the season, with his continuation depending on performance. Flavio Briatore has publicly guaranteed Doohan will start the season alongside Pierre Gasly at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16 but hinted at potential changes if results fall short.
Latin American sponsorship opportunities for Alpine
Alpine’s signing of Colapinto could open the door to sponsorship deals from Sergio Perez’s backers, including Telmex. Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, enjoyed strong financial support from Mexican companies throughout his career. Carlos Slim, president of Escuderia Telmex, expressed interest in supporting Colapinto, stating that his organization has a long history of backing Latin American drivers.
“We always seek to support Latin American drivers,” Slim told ESPN. “Franco is doing very well. If there was an opportunity to talk about something with Franco, it would not be anything related to Checo [Sergio Perez].”
Sergio Perez steps away from F1
Following his departure from Red Bull, Perez announced he will take six months away from racing before deciding on his next career steps. Speaking in Leon, Mexico, Perez shared his plans to focus on his family and personal life after an illustrious F1 career that includes six race wins and 39 podiums.
“My priority is to enjoy myself, to do things I haven’t done, to be with my family,” said Perez. “In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.”
Perez remains a beloved figure in Mexican motorsport, but his future in F1 remains uncertain as he approaches his 35th birthday later this month.
Alpine’s €20 million investment in Colapinto
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Alpine paid Williams €20 million upfront for Colapinto’s services, signaling their confidence in the young driver’s potential. This significant investment underscores Alpine’s commitment to securing future talent while potentially gaining commercial benefits from Latin America’s growing F1 audience.
What’s next for Alpine and the F1 2025 season?
With Franco Colapinto in their ranks, Alpine aims to strengthen its driver lineup and tap into new sponsorship opportunities. The Enstone-based team will also keep a close eye on Jack Doohan’s performance as the season unfolds, with decisions potentially impacting their long-term strategy.
As the F1 2025 season approaches, the addition of Colapinto could provide Alpine with both on-track results and off-track commercial growth, particularly in Latin America.
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