Fans now think Alpine should have signed 39-podium driver instead of Franco Colapinto after the Spanish Grand Prix

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Alpine driver Franco Colapinto was thrown into the deep end at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the beginning of the most recent F1 triple header.

Speculation had been mounting ever since Alpine signed Franco Colapinto from Williams that he would replace Jack Doohan sooner rather than later.

Alpine shut down questions about Doohan’s future throughout his time alongside Pierre Gasly in the team’s second car.

But after outqualifying the Frenchman and then subsequently crashing on the opening lap at the Miami Grand Prix, it was decided that Colapinto deserved his chance.

Colapinto had tested Alpine’s car but his debut at Imola put him under immediate pressure.

He crashed during qualifying and followed that performance up with a disappointing outing at Monaco, although Gasly wasn’t much quicker.

The Spanish Grand Prix was another tricky race for the 22-year-old after a mechanical failure meant he was guaranteed a Q1 exit.

While Gasly went on to score a handful of points for Alpine, Colapinto was left scrapping over 15th.

Some fans are now beginning to question whether he was the right choice, or if Sergio Perez should have been approached by Flavio Briatore sooner.

READ MORE: Who is Alpine 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto? Everything you need to know

F1 fans have their say on Sergio Perez replacing Franco Colapinto amid Alpine interest

Gasly’s Alpine future is far from guaranteed but the immediate focus is on Colapinto and his initial five-race contract.

Perez has been linked with Alpine recently after his tricky spell at Red Bull came to an end.

Many fans are reappraising the Mexican’s time alongside Max Verstappen but had a mixed view on whether Alpine should have brought their interest in the 39-podium driver forward.

One fan said: “Gasly will surely jump the gun if Perez goes to Alpine, so he’d better have a plan B.”

Another comment read: “I would have put Perez and Gasly together if Perez comes back. Anyway, we need to review the car. What a terrible move it was to get rid of Ocon.”

“Alpine will end up putting Paul Aron in to close the year and hiring an experienced driver for 2026, Bottas or Perez and renewing Gasly,” theorised another fan.

Someone pointed to Perez’s financial backing and suggested: “Preparing the ground for ‘Cheque’ Perez, Alpine, if they keep this up they will end up having to raise funds to be able to race.”

Another fan questioned if Colapinto had been given a good enough car and said: “What about the comment that Alpine had contacts with Checo Perez to displace Franco? Briatore had already begun to let go of his hand with a few statements. Give him a car that works and they can evaluate it there.”

The team came under further scrutiny and explained: “Alpine’s level is truly horrendous. Colapinto is suffering beyond imagination. I hope he really improves at the next GP because it’s unsustainable. From yesterday’s qualifying to now in the race.”

One fan expected a decision to be made next year and said: “I see Checo Perez making the decision next year. I don’t see him rushing to get into a car. I’m waiting for a Cadillac or an Alpine.”

Someone pointed out that Perez is in the position of power in any negotiation and suggested: “It’s time everyone said the problem is Alpine, not their drivers! The worst part is that Checo Perez is considering them for a comeback! You’d better stay on the couch watching the races from there!”

READ MORE: Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

Flavio Briatore ‘disappointed’ with Franco Colapinto after the Spanish Grand Prix

Briatore has never been someone to hide his feelings about his drivers.

After the race in Barcelona, he told the media: “Franco’s afternoon was always going to be tough starting at the back and had a disappointing race, not progressing as much as we hoped.

“As a team, we must regroup and dig deep to get ourselves out of this position.”

Colapinto called it a ‘disappointing afternoon and a tough race,’ but suggested that his pace improved as the weekend went on.

The Argentine deserves more time to prove himself, but so did Doohan before him.

Colapinto brings plenty of sponsorship money with him, but Perez would as well if he was brought in.

It would be a fascinating twist in the driver market especially with Cadillac also pursuing Perez ahead of their debut in 2026.