Franco Colapinto Sponsor Retracts Imola F1….Read more
A recent stir in the Formula 1 paddock involving Franco Colapinto has been quickly tempered after one of his main sponsors retracted comments suggesting the Argentine driver would make his official F1 debut for Alpine at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
Horacio Marin, the president and CEO of YPF — a key sponsor for Colapinto — made headlines after an unexpected slip during a television interview. Marin was speaking on Argentina’s A24 news channel when, in a moment he believed to be off-air, he claimed that Colapinto would be making his debut in Imola. This statement sparked widespread speculation that the young driver was poised to replace Jack Doohan at Alpine for the Grand Prix.
However, Alpine has maintained a consistent stance regarding Colapinto’s position within the team. Since joining Alpine from Williams during the winter, Colapinto has held the role of third and reserve driver. The team had also previously indicated that Jack Doohan would be the one receiving valuable time in the car over the course of the season, not Colapinto — at least not yet.
Following the incident, Marin clarified his comments and admitted that he misspoke. He explained that he has no official knowledge about Colapinto’s race schedule with Alpine, nor any confirmation of a debut in Imola. Speaking on another Argentine channel, LN+, Marin acknowledged that his words were more a hopeful prediction than a factual statement.
“What I said was based on my wish that he races at Imola, not on any concrete information,” Marin stated. “If it happens, great — he’ll call me. But I’m not his manager; I’m the president of YPF. I have a great relationship with Franco, but I don’t talk to him all day, every day.”
Marin also recalled a previous instance where his prediction about Colapinto’s career came surprisingly true. He once told the driver that Logan Sargeant — then with Williams — would lose his seat and break the car, prompting the team to call Colapinto up. “He later came to me and asked how I knew,” Marin laughed. “I told him I should’ve played the lottery instead. It was just luck. This is exactly the same kind of thing.”
Despite Marin’s clarification, the brief moment has only amplified the spotlight on Colapinto’s F1 future. He has already participated in private testing sessions for Alpine, including a recent outing at Monza, suggesting that the team sees potential in him. But for now, Alpine’s official plans remain unchanged, with Colapinto continuing in his reserve role as fans eagerly await any concrete news about his race debut.
