F1 fans are all saying one thing after Valtteri Bottas was linked with replacing Franco Colapinto at Alpine

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Valtteri Bottas could make an early comeback in F1 if a rumoured deal with Alpine comes to fruition this season.

Reports emerged after the Austrian GP that Bottas could be close to reaching a deal with Alpine over a drive with the team, after talks between Mercedes and Flavio Briatore.

The Finn would likely replace Franco Colapinto, whose run of races since he took over from Jack Doohan has been mixed.

Colapinto has scored more points on his FIA superlicence than actual points, having picked up one for forcing Oscar Piastri off the track in the Austrian GP.

Discussing a potential move to secure Bottas on social media website X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, fans are all saying the same thing.

F1 fans think Valtteri Bottas should replace Franco Colapinto

Fans agree that a move to secure Bottas would be best for Alpine, with one fan commenting: “Bottas vs Gasly would be a demonic midfield lineup please make it happen.”

Another fan thinks it would be healthy for the intra-team competition: “I think Bottas pushes Gasly even more than Ocon did.”

One fan wrote: “Bottas could be a positive change especially since they are running with Marc engines next year”

Another fan commented: “Honestly, the Bottas to Alpine thing. If he takes it, I won’t be mad. The Alpine car isn’t that bad if you have a decent driver. Point being proven by Gasly himself.”

One fan thinks Bottas would be better than Colapinto: “Way better choice than Franco that is for sure”

Another fan wrote: “Bottas would be very handy alongside Gasly though, a strong line up IF the car is up to it.”

Valtteri Bottas would be a good driver for Alpine amid Mercedes engine deal

Alpine will be switching to Mercedes engines for the 2026 season after parent company Renault decided to close their engine plant down.

It will be the first time that the team based in Enstone will be using Mercedes engines since the 2015 season, before they were bought back by Renault.

Bottas’ experience with the Mercedes power unit will be handy, having raced with their power for the majority of his career.