Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto: Are Alpine's Rising Stars Ready to Step Up if needed?

Picture: Alpine  

The Alpine Formula 1 team, like all competitors in the pinnacle of motorsport, relies not only on its established driver lineup but also on reserve drivers like Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto, ready to step in should unforeseen circumstances arise. These reserve drivers are usually young talents nurtured through the team’s development program, representing the future aspirations of the outfit. Within the Alpine ranks, Aron and Colapinto currently hold these crucial roles, positioned to potentially seize any opportunity that may present itself. This analysis aims to evaluate the readiness and potential of both Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto to potentially replace Jack Doohan as the rookie has had a rough start to the 2025 season. Alpine’s advisor, Flavio Briatore, has made it clear that if Doohan doesn’t perform within five races, he will be replaced.

Paul Aron: A Deep Dive into His Potential

Junior Series Performance: A Foundation for F1 Ambitions

Paul Aron has been making significant strides in his junior career, culminating in a noteworthy season in Formula 2. In 2024, Aron emerged as a standout performer in a highly competitive Formula 2 Championship. Despite perhaps not entering the season with significant external hype, he quickly established himself as a serious contender, demonstrating his capabilities against a talented field. His performance throughout the year was marked by impressive consistency, securing at least one podium finish in each of the first seven rounds of the Championship . This consistent run of success propelled him to the top of the Championship standings at the halfway point of the season, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and deliver results consistently. Ultimately, Aron finished the 2024 Formula 2 season in third place, a testament to his skill and determination. His campaign included one victory, four pole positions, and a total of eight podium finishes, highlighting his prowess in both qualifying and race situations. This strong showing in the immediate feeder series to Formula 1 undoubtedly caught the attention of the Alpine team. 

Role as Alpine Reserve Driver: A Step Closer to the Pinnacle

The impressive performance of Paul Aron in Formula 2 has been rewarded with an official role within the Alpine Formula 1 Team. For the 2025 season, Aron has been appointed as a reserve driver for the French team. This appointment signifies a significant step forward in his career and demonstrates the faith that Alpine has in his potential to contribute to the team in the future. Securing a spot in Alpine was crucial to Aron’s career as he didn’t have the funding to keep going after the 2024 season per Estonian media. As a reserve driver, he is expected to be ready to step into a race seat should one of the team’s primary drivers be unable to compete. This role also typically involves significant work behind the scenes, including participation in simulator sessions to aid in car development and race preparations, as well as attending race weekends to gain further experience within the Formula 1 environment. Further evidence of Alpine’s investment in Paul Aron’s development came with his participation in the post-season Young Driver Test, where he had his first opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car. This initial experience behind the wheel of F1 machinery is invaluable for a young driver, providing crucial insights into the demands and performance characteristics of these high-performance vehicles. 

Analysis of F1 Potential: Navigating a Competitive Landscape

While Paul Aron has clearly demonstrated his talent and potential through his achievements in Formula 2 and his subsequent appointment as an Alpine reserve driver, the path to a full-time Formula 1 seat is rarely straightforward. The competitive nature of Formula 1 means that opportunities are limited, and teams often have multiple promising young drivers within their development programs. In the case of Alpine, the long-term plans for Paul Aron remain somewhat uncertain, particularly following the arrival of Franco Colapinto within the team’s orbit. This suggests that while Alpine recognizes the talent of Aron, the presence of other highly-rated juniors could influence the timeline and nature of future opportunities within the team. His consistent performance in Formula 2 provides a strong foundation, but the ultimate decision on whether he will progress to a race seat will likely depend on a combination of factors, including his continued development, the performance of the current race drivers, and the team’s overall strategic direction. 

Picture: FIA Formula 2  

Franco Colapinto: Evaluating His Stepping Stone to F1

Junior Series Performance: Demonstrating Raw Talent

The junior career of Franco Colapinto has also shown considerable promise, marked by notable achievements and a trajectory that has caught the attention of Formula 1 teams. While the provided information indicates a previous association with the Williams junior program, with Luke Browning becoming their most senior junior after Franco Colapinto’s promotion, this “promotion” likely signifies a move to Alpine, given the context of this analysis. Interestingly, despite a mention that Franco Colapinto might have had a “disappointing” Formula 2 season in 2024, he is still considered a driver who demonstrated the potential to step up to Formula 1, much like Ollie Bearman. This suggests that while his overall championship standings might not have fully reflected his capabilities, Franco Colapinto likely displayed flashes of exceptional speed or other qualities that impressed teams evaluating potential future F1 drivers.  

Involvement with the Alpine Program: A New Chapter?

Franco Colapinto has been officially confirmed as Alpine’s reserve driver on a multi-year deal, solidifying his place within the team’s structure. His appointment not only highlights Alpine’s confidence in his potential but also positions him as a key figure in their long-term plans. The discussion surrounding his role, including the possibility of shortening Jack Doohan’s stint with Alpine, further emphasizes the significance of this move. With his existing F1 experience, Colapinto brings valuable insight and capability to the team, making him a crucial asset as Alpine looks to the future.

Analysis of F1 Potential: A Threat to Established Order?

The assessment of Franco Colapinto’s potential to race in Formula 1 is particularly intriguing given the suggestion that he could even challenge the position of an existing member of the Alpine program, Jack Doohan. This implies that despite any perceived inconsistencies in his Formula 2 performance, Franco Colapinto possesses a level of raw talent and future potential that Alpine finds compelling. Also, the Argentine already has F1 experience with Williams and has scored five championship points in nine Grand Prixs in the 2024 season. The fact that his arrival is even considered a factor that could influence Doohan’s future with the team speaks volumes about the high regard in which Colapinto is held within motorsport circles. His move to Alpine, hinted at by the “promotion” from Williams, likely provides him with what he perceives as a clearer pathway to achieving his Formula 1 ambitions. The combination of his demonstrated talent and Alpine’s apparent belief in his abilities positions Colapinto as a serious contender for a future race seat. 

Picture: Getty Images  

Conclusion

Both Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto represent promising talents within the Alpine development program, each with a distinct profile. Paul Aron has demonstrated a consistent high level of performance in Formula 2, earning him the official reserve driver role and valuable experience in an F1 car during the young driver test. His consistency and recent track record make him a potentially reliable option should Alpine require a replacement driver in the short term.

Franco Colapinto, while perhaps not having the same consistent results in Formula 2 as Aron, is perceived as possessing significant raw potential alongside his experience driving in Formula One. The suggestion that his presence at Alpine could impact Jack Doohan’s future indicates that the team sees a high ceiling for Colapinto and may view him as a key part of their long-term strategy. Colapinto’s perceived potential could make him a strong contender for future opportunities within the team. Ultimately, both Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto are valuable assets to Alpine, providing depth and talent that could be crucial in the unpredictable landscape of Formula 1.

Also, Cadillac will enter Formula One in 2026 which means they might interest the idea of having a young rookie driver in their lineup. Both Aron and Colapinto would be great choices as by that time they will have the knowledge and experience on how an F1 Team operates.