Juan Pablo Montoya tells Alpine that Franco Colapinto’s most likely replacement isn’t ‘the answer’

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Franco Colapinto is currently in danger of losing his drive in Formula 1 after a lacklustre start to his rookie season with Alpine, but Juan Pablo Montoya has warned the French constructor that their answer to the young Argentine may not be the correct one.

Colapinto is the only driver left on the grid who has not scored a single world championship point so far in the 2025 F1 season, and he has just eight rounds left to get himself on the board.

Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore hasn’t been convinced by Colapinto’s performances in the current term. The Italian executive is currently looking elsewhere to fill the second seat in the team in time for F1’s new era of regulations in 2026.

Several names have been floated around as a possible replacement for the 22-year-old, but Alpine’s ‘leading candidate’ is Paul Aron.

READ MORE: Alpine have made a Franco Colapinto decision that has left some F1 paddock figures stunned

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Paul Aron isn’t ‘the answer’ to Alpine’s second seat questions

Aron is currently serving as the reserve driver for the Enstone-based racing outfit and has taken part in numerous FP1 outings for both Alpine and Sauber throughout 2025.

Speaking on a recent episode of MontoyAS, the former F1 driver believes Aron won’t be much of a step up from the young Argentine due to the fact that he will be another rookie that the team are putting their trust in.

“I don’t think Franco’s doing a bad job at all. They just want someone who can actually beat Gasly, someone who can really challenge Gasly,” Montoya said.

“But that’s the thing, F1 is tricky. You don’t know if you’re getting the same equipment. But he’s been there, he’s shown the speed, at Spa, Monza, and all that. It’s just that once people get a certain image of you, changing that takes a lot of work.

“Also, how much better could Aron be doing? How much better could Doohan be doing? If they replace Franco, it would have to be with a big name, someone who’s clearly at another level.

“If you want someone to beat Gasly, I don’t think Aron is the answer.”

Alpine could look to replace Colapinto after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend. The 22-year-old scored his first points ever in F1 at Baku last season with Williams, and will need to harness the same skill and expertise this weekend to secure his spot in the sport.

READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron? Age, nationality, stats and more

Franco Colapinto has a lot of backing from sponsors to continue his F1 career

Despite the internal struggle regarding Colapinto’s future at Alpine, it’s no secret that the young Argentine has a swathe of sponsors in his corner who want to see him continue his journey in Formula 1.

Last year, it was reported that Colapinto was bringing in around £420,000 per race for Williams. Across the nine races that he competed in for the British constructor last year, it equates to a whopping sum of nearly £3.8 million.

Montoya believes this is one of Colapinto’s strongest arguments, continuing with, “There’s also the weight of sponsors and backing. Franco has very strong support right now.”

The Colombian also hopes to see Colapinto continue his career, adding, “Let’s hope Franco can have a good weekend and finish the season strong.

“And just to be clear, it’s not about creating panic; it’s totally normal for Alpine to explore their options.”

If Colapinto fails to make an impression in Baku, the weight of his sponsors may be the only thing keeping him afloat if he is to continue with Alpine for the rest of the season.