Colapinto’s first day at Alpine came with a clear message

Franco Colapinto isn’t just settling into his new role at Alpine for the 2025 Formula 1 season – he’s already making his intentions crystal clear.

On his very first day at the Enstone factory, the 21-year-old left no room for ambiguity: he’s ready to seize any opportunity that may come his way and prove himself worthy of a race seat with Alpine.

While the young Argentine may be starting this year’s campaign as a mere reserve driver, his comments make it evident he’s positioning himself as much more than a safety net for the team.

Opportunity Beckons

Colapinto’s move to Alpine, sealed thanks to the relentless efforts of Flavio Briatore, the team’s executive advisor, marks a significant step in the young Argentine’s journey.

After nine races with Williams last year, Colapinto is hungry for more, and Alpine’s setup presents a significant opportunity.

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While the team insists his signing is about future-proofing its lineup, insiders believe his presence is designed to light a fire under the current drivers, Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan.

Doohan, in particular, faces mounting pressure, with rumors suggesting his performance will be under intense scrutiny in the early rounds of the season.

‘Ready for Anything’

As for Colapinto, he’s embracing his responsibilities with open arms. Whether in the simulator or working closely with the engineers, his focus is clear: contribute to the team’s climb back to the top and be “ready for anything”.

"My role within the team will be to help, to help with everything I can, to bring the team back to the top, to improve the car as much as possible and to help with everything I can," he told Motorsport.com earlier this week at Enstone.

"I will be very attentive to whatever happens and obviously always ready if I have to get in the car at some point.

“Doing all the testing, developing the new car, spending a lot of time in the simulator and obviously being ready for anything."

Still a Lot to Learn

For Colapinto, joining Alpine is more than just a professional milestone – it’s an opportunity to be part of a resurgence.

"I’m really happy to be here," he said. "It’s a great start to the year, so let’s try to do more.

"It’s my first time in Enstone, in Alpine. I’m very happy with this moment in my racing career. My first day in the team. It’s a team that is growing a lot, that wants to get back to the top with Renault, with Alpine.

"It’s a team that deserves to be at the top and to fight for championships. It’s a pleasure to be here and visit the factory, meet the whole team, all the people who work in this team that will be at the top.

"It’s a pleasure to meet them and I have a lot to learn, but it’s a great first day at Alpine."

As the season approaches, one thing is clear: Franco Colapinto isn’t at Alpine simply fill a seat on the team’s roster of reserve drivers.

He’s there to make an impact, to grow, and to grab any opportunity that may arise with both hands.

Whether or not he gets his chance in the A525 this year remains to be seen, but his message to Alpine is loud and clear: he’s "ready for anything."

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