Why Valtteri Bottas isn’t particularly ‘interested’ in replacing Franco Colapinto after Alpine approach

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Valtteri Bottas has become a target for several teams on the Formula 1 driver market as he eyes a return to the sport. Alpine have expressed an interest in signing the Mercedes reserve driver.

The Enstone outfit are in turmoil on and off the track as they sit last in the constructors’ championship. Franco Colapinto is desperately struggling to find results, having equalled Jack Doohan’s feat of zero points in six races with the team.

Flavio Briatore had his head in his hands as the Argentine spun during qualifying at the British Grand Prix, leaving him at the back for the race. But he would not get to start at Silverstone as a mechanical failure forced him to retire, but paddock ‘rumours’ suggest Colapinto had burned his clutch.

Colapinto is worried about his future with Alpine, as speculation has suggested that he could be replaced. The team have Doohan and Paul Aron as options within their pool of drivers, but Briatore seems set on signing Bottas as he prefers an experienced driver to solve their woes.

F1 Oversteer understands that Mercedes are pushing Bottas to join Alpine; the Enstone outfit will become their customer team in 2026. However, it looks like the 35-year-old is not looking to replace Colapinto.

Valtteri Bottas is ‘more interested’ in securing a deal with Cadillac than joining Alpine

Bottas has been in discussions with Alpine in recent weeks. He is looking to find his way back onto the F1 grid after losing his seat at Sauber at the end of 2024.

F1 fans want Bottas to replace Colapinto as the Argentine struggles to perform in the A525. However, Alpine are not alone in their pursuit of the Finn, as Cadillac have also spoken to Bottas over a deal for 2026, when they join the sport as the 11th team.

Bottas teased fans on social media about Cadillac, as he filmed a video with one of the luxury brand’s cars, calling it a ‘nice seat’. While team principal Graeme Lowdon played down the significance of Bottas’ video, it appears there may be some substance to it.

In a report from The Race, Alpine have ‘enquired’ about Bottas’ services, as Briatore wants to bring him on board alongside Pierre Gasly.

However, the report states that Bottas is ‘more interested in exploring the Cadillac option more thoroughly’. The 35-year-old is looking to secure a long-term contract in F1, and seems to favour a move to the American brand over Alpine.

READ MORE: Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto have proven why Valtteri Bottas must join Cadillac

Bottas would have a strong financial incentive to join F1’s newcomers, as Cadillac are ‘paying a premium’ to attract rival staff. They would also likely offer better security than Alpine, as proved by their driver changes in 2025.

Doohan was only given six races before he was dropped for Colapinto. The Argentine was then allegedly given a five-race deal and is now facing pressure to retain his seat.

Colapinto has until the summer break to save his spot at Alpine. Given Briatore’s cutthroat decision with drivers in 2025, Bottas could very well be next if he were to be thrust into what is an underperforming car.

Alpine may not want to offer a long-term deal as they assess their options for 2026. Cadillac will offer that straight away by joining the grid next year, making them a more attractive option.