Franco Colapinto Alpine 'debut' emerges in sponsor interview blunder
30/04/2025 08:45
Franco Colapinto could be set to make his Alpine "debut" at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, according to a sponsor of the Argentine driver. That revelation came in the form of a hot mic gaffe, when Horacio Marin, president and CEO of YPF, appeared on television news channel A24 . The Argentinian energy company backs the 21-year-old, who joined Team Enstone as a test and reserve driver over the winter from Williams. Colapinto impressed during a nine-round cameo for the Grove squad last season and was already linked to Jack Doohan's Alpine seat prior to making the switch, with speculation exacerbated as a result of the move. The main - and thus-far unfounded - rumour was that the 22-year-old would have only five or six rounds to impress the top brass at Alpine, or face being sidelined. Although, in recent weeks, as the intense pressure placed on Doohan has slowly started to dissipate, it has appeared increasingly likely the French team will afford him more time than first reported. However, this latest development suggests those rumours might have been closer to the truth than Alpine let on. Round seven, after the Miami Grand Prix, will be held at Imola. Towards the end of the interview, Marin is asked when Colapinto will "debut" for Alpine, to which he responded multiple times that he did not know. As the programme transitions and Marin is no longer on camera, he - seemingly unaware his microphone was still on - can be heard saying "in Imola", which was subsequently broadcast live. It remains unclear what "debut" specifically means in this context and if Marin's unintentional claim will materialise.
