Villeneuve Labels Colapinto a 'Pay Driver' Amidst Alpine's 2026 Line-up Confirmation
Jacques Villeneuve ignited controversy by labeling Franco Colapinto a 'pay driver' after Alpine confirmed his place for the 2026 F1 season. Despite Colapinto's mixed results in a struggling Alpine team, the decision to retain him alongside Pierre Gasly aims for stability amidst major regulation changes and a switch to Mercedes power units. This move highlights the complex balance between driver merit and other factors like team familiarity and financial contributions in Formula 1.
Jacques Villeneuve has controversially dismissed Franco Colapinto as merely a 'pay driver,' following Alpine's decision to confirm the Argentine alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This confirmation comes despite Colapinto's struggles to consistently deliver strong results since joining Alpine, failing to score points since Imola in what has been a challenging 2025 campaign for the team, which is currently set to finish last in the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters:
After a dismal 2025 season, Alpine is banking on a significant reset with new chassis and engine regulations for 2026, transitioning from a Renault factory team to a Mercedes customer. The continuity of their driver line-up—Gasly and Colapinto—is a calculated gamble. Villeneuve's harsh assessment highlights the contentious debate surrounding driver selection in F1, especially for teams looking to rebuild, where financial contributions can sometimes overshadow on-track performance.
The Details:
- Villeneuve's Stance: 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve stated that Colapinto's extension at Alpine is not justified by his on-track results, suggesting he is primarily a 'pay driver' used to finance the team. Villeneuve acknowledged moments of speed from Colapinto but criticized his lack of consistency.
- Colapinto's Performance: Since taking over from Jack Doohan, Colapinto has not improved the team's points return and has failed to score since the Imola Grand Prix. This performance is set against the backdrop of a difficult F1 2025 season for Alpine, which currently sits at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship.
- Alpine's 2026 Vision: The 2026 season represents a major overhaul for Alpine, with new regulations and a shift to Mercedes power units. The team's decision to retain both Gasly and Colapinto is seen as a move to maintain some stability amidst radical technical changes.
- Alternative Viewpoints: F1 commentator Davide Valsecchi argued that Alpine missed an opportunity by not signing Formula 2 Championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli. Valsecchi believes Fornaroli, who has shown consistent winning form in junior categories, is more deserving of an F1 seat based purely on merit.
Between the lines:
Alpine's choice to retain Colapinto, despite critical comments from Villeneuve and alternative suggestions from Valsecchi, reflects a complex decision-making process. The team is not only navigating significant technical changes but also the broader commercial realities of Formula 1. While on-track merit is paramount, a driver's familiarity with the team, potential for growth, and financial backing can all play a role, especially for a team in a rebuilding phase. The continuity offered by Colapinto's retention could be seen as a safer bet than introducing another rookie into a season of such profound change.
What's next:
Colapinto now faces immense pressure to validate Alpine's faith in him. With the 2026 regulations promising a fresh start, his ability to adapt and perform alongside the experienced Gasly will be crucial. If he fails to deliver, the calls for talents like Paul Aron (currently in reserve) or Leonardo Fornaroli could intensify, potentially opening the door for a future change in Alpine's driver line-up.