Winless F1 driver is now facing a ‘countdown to retirement’ with just 12 days left to save his career

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There are three drivers on the Formula 1 grid aged 37 or older. But none of them are considering retirement imminently.

Fernando Alonso, who turns 44 next week, will justifiably feel that P14 in the championship doesn’t reflect the quality of his performances this year. He continues to operate at a high level and is under contract at Aston Martin until the end of 2026.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari contract is the same length, though it includes an option for a further year if both parties agree. Hamilton has recently stressed his intention to remain at Maranello for a long time.

And then there’s Nico Hulkenberg, who’s just scored his first F1 podium an incredible 239 races into his career. With a giant manufacturer, Audi, arriving to take over Sauber, he has little reason to walk away.

Indeed, if there is to be a ‘retirement’ this year, it’s likely to be involuntary – much like Daniel Ricciardo in 2024, perhaps.

Franco Colapinto’s Formula 1 career could soon be over

According to Motorsport Italy, ‘time is running out’ for Franco Colapinto at Alpine. Colapinto only replaced Jack Doohan at the Emilia Romagna GP in May.

Like his predecessor, he’s failed to score a point. He trails Pierre Gasly 8-2 in competitive sessions and has registered four Q1 exits in six Grands Prix.

Alpine are experiencing all the same problems that led them to axe Doohan just a few months into his rookie season. The Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix, both of which will take place in the next 12 days, are ‘crucial’ in determining his future.

He still has time to save his career, but the ‘countdown to his retirement’ has begun. This is his second chance in F1 after an initially exciting but ultimately crash-laden stint at Williams last year.

The contenders to replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine including one wildcard

It’s understood that Doohan’s chances of returning to Alpine are ‘very slim’. He may be looking at seats elsewhere on the F1 grid instead.

There is talk of a ‘part-time contract for Valtteri Bottas‘, who’s currently the Mercedes reserve driver. It’s not inconceivable that Bottas and Doohan are teammates at Cadillac next year.

Auto Motor und Sport reveal that ‘voices’ in the paddock are suggesting Paul Aron as the chosen Colapinto replacement. The highly-rated reserve driver recently made his free practice debut on loan at Sauber.

And finally, a Spanish outlet suggested Alpine could target George Russell for 2026, should Mercedes sign Max Verstappen instead. He would form a supercharged line-up with fellow race-winner Gasly.