| Car Number | #43 |
| Team | Alpine |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Born | May 27, 2003 - Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Age | 22 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Franco Colapinto is the first Argentine driver to race in Formula 1 in over two decades, carrying the hopes of an entire nation passionate about motorsport. Born on May 27, 2003 in Buenos Aires, Colapinto grew up idolizing the great Argentine racing heroes of the past, from Juan Manuel Fangio to Carlos Reutemann. His journey to F1 began in South American karting before he moved to Europe to climb the single-seater ladder.
Colapinto's breakthrough came in 2024 when Williams gave him a surprise mid-season call-up to replace Logan Sargeant. Despite having minimal preparation time, Colapinto immediately impressed with his raw speed and fearless overtaking. He scored points in his first few races, demonstrating that he belonged on the F1 grid. His performances earned widespread praise and put him on the radar of several teams for 2026.
Alpine secured Colapinto's services for 2026, pairing him with experienced team leader Pierre Gasly. With 1 point after three races, Colapinto is still finding his feet as a full-time F1 driver, but his talent is undeniable. His aggressive driving style and ability to extract performance from the car in qualifying have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. The Argentine fanbase has embraced him with enormous enthusiasm, bringing a new wave of South American interest to Formula 1.
Interesting Facts
- First Argentine Formula 1 driver in over 20 years
- Made his F1 debut as a mid-season replacement at Williams in 2024
- Scored points in his first F1 appearances despite minimal preparation
- His arrival in F1 has reignited Argentine passion for the sport
- Competed in Formula 3 and Formula 2 before his surprise F1 call-up