Ralf Schumacher says there’s still one pay driver on the Formula 1 grid in 2026

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Ralf Schumacher named the one driver on the grid who has a seat because of the financial backing he brings to the team.

In Formula 1, it takes more than just being an excellent driver to earn a seat on a team. With the massive finances involved, drivers need to be bankable and lucrative figures.

Almost all F1 teams are financed mainly by their sponsors. As such, the ability for a driver to attract sponsors to their teams is a big factor in their value.

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Sometimes, a driver’s ability to attract sponsors and bring money to the team can give them a longer leash for their poor performances.

That is exactly what Ralf Schumacher thinks is happening with Alpine, as Flavio Briatore continues to be patient with Franco Colapinto.

READ MORE: Flavio Briatore believes ‘super’ Franco Colapinto is now proving ‘a lot’ of people in F1 were wrong

Ralf Schumacher claims Flavio Briatore backs Franco Colapinto at Alpine for non-racing reasons

Speaking on the latest episode of Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher suggested that Franco Colapinto has Flavio Briatore’s backing at Alpine because of financial reasons.

Amid talk of Colapinto attracting sponsors to Alpine, Schumacher believes Briatore has backed the Argentine driver for this very reason.

“I truly believe that Flavio Briatore partly believes in Franco Colapinto and attributes a certain talent to him. There’s no question about that.

“But I think he has a few million reasons to do so. In the development phase, where the team is, it doesn’t necessarily matter if they finish in the last 10.

“Gasly is someone he can rely on. Colapinto is someone who can be faster at times and slower. But he brings money that he urgently needs to get the team back on track. Renault and the investors want to contribute as little as possible, and every dollar is important.

“I don’t mean to diminish his achievement, but that’s part of the truth as to why Flavio Briatore agreed to go along with him. And if he ultimately gets his way, because he adjusts his performance again, then all the better for him.”

READ MORE: Franco Colapinto says Argentina has made ‘absolutely necessary’ step for F1 return after track visit

Does Franco Colapinto deserve to keep his F1 seat for 2027?

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Franco Colapinto’s Alpine future entirely tied to Flavio Briatore

While Briatore pushed for Colapinto to leave Alpine before he re-signed with the team, the Argentine will now be backed by Briatore very aggressively.

Briatore sang the praises of Colapinto as he began to turn things around with Alpine, seeing him as a strong part of the team.

Colapinto’s future with Alpine is reportedly unclear, with some within the organisation feeling that they might be better off with another driver.

But, for as tough as Briatore has been on Colapinto, the Argentine could have his backing if he can continue to deliver results like the P7 result he had in Miami.