Martin Brundle says 240-point F1 driver is now ‘under pressure’ from his teammate

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There are driver dilemmas up and down the Formula 1 paddock as teams scramble to decide who to put in their cars for the 2025 season.

Seats at Sauber and Visa Cash App RB are yet to be decided, while a big decision looms for Red Bull regarding Sergio Perez’s future.

The Mexican’s below-par performance has left his cockpit at threat of being taken by the likes of Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda.

However, in the last few weeks, one driver has become increasingly more noticeable on everyone’s radar, and he doesn’t have a contract for next year.

Martin Brundle says Alex Albon is ‘under pressure’ from Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto has enjoyed a stellar start to life in Formula 1, surprising just about everyone within just four race starts.

Nobody expected Colapinto to have a shot at a full-time seat for 2025, so much so that his employer has already signed two drivers for the upcoming campaign and has no spot left for him.

The knock-on effect of this is that it’s placing one of their signings for 2025 and beyond – Alex Albon, under a bit of pressure.

Speaking in a Sky Sports F1 column, Martin Brundle praised Colapinto’s United States Grand Prix performance and uttered that his British teammate may be facing some heat.

“Franco Colapinto went well again for Williams to claim a point in 10th spot, and he’s certainly putting his much more experienced team-mate Alex Albon under pressure.”

Which F1 team could Colapinto land at?

There are a few doors that remain ajar after Colapinto forced his foot through them and continues to keep them open with every excellent performance.

Sauber seems hesitant to retain Valtteri Bottas, with exciting Formula 2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto and Colapinto waiting in the wings.

It would probably only be a one-year contract with the Swiss outfit on a bit of a prove-it deal, but that will probably be the case anywhere he goes as teams assess their options before the new F1 engine technical regulations arrive for 2026.

A wild thought just a few weeks ago may now be a reality, with a potential opening at Red Bull or Visa Cash App RB requiring to beat out one of Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar to steal a spot.

Hadjar outperformed Colapinto in Formula 2, and it would be gutting for the Red Bull junior to be beaten to a seat by someone from outside the RB stable.

Winning the championship would rectify his woes, leaving Colapinto to return to the junior category for 2025.

But if Colapinto performs and there aren’t any avenues elsewhere, could he force current teammate Albon out of his own team?