Just as Franco Colapinto seemed to be settling into the French team, his future in Formula 1 is once again in doubt. Rumors of Valtteri Bottas potentially joining Alpine have gained traction in recent days—so much so that even F1’s official website picked up the story, right in the middle of the European season, when the driver market heats up. Could this mark the end of the road for the Argentine driver?

Tension is high in the paddock. The F1 "musical chairs" game is underway, and everything points to Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner with deep experience using Mercedes power units, joining Alpine, which will switch from Renault engines starting in 2026. His name entered the spotlight following a meeting between Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, and Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, in the German outfit’s hospitality suite.

A possible change at Alpine? The Argentine on the hot seat

This speculation puts pressure on Colapinto, who made his F1 debut this season with the French team. Despite driving a car that lacks competitiveness and has a clear power deficit compared to other teams, the Argentine has shown flashes of talent—particularly with his exceptional tire management. In Austria, for instance, he was faster than teammate Pierre Gasly for several laps while on older hard tires.

However, the circumstances may not work in his favor. Alpine needs immediate results and seasoned experience—both of which Bottas could deliver. The Finnish driver, who turns 36 in August, would be a safe bet heading into the next technical era of F1 powered by Mercedes engines. Meanwhile, even though Gasly recently signed a “multi-year” deal, he has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance and could be looking for an exit.

There are currently eight unconfirmed seats for the 2026 grid. While Colapinto has a long-term agreement with Williams, that doesn’t guarantee his stay at Alpine if the team opts for a more experienced lineup. Previous sudden moves—like Checo Pérez’s deal with Red Bull or even Colapinto’s own Alpine signing last Christmas—serve as a reminder that nothing in F1 is official until it’s publicly announced.

With the Italian Grand Prix in Monza approaching—often the pivotal moment for contract deals—the question lingers: is this just speculation, or the beginning of the end for the Argentine's time in F1?