Franco Colapinto's future in Formula 1 could be at risk after another unnecessary move in turn one at Baku two weekends ago, which ultimately ended Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Reactions were incredibly strong after the race, and justifiably so.
A late safety car restart saw the entire field bunched up together along the start-finish straight. The Argentine driver went for a late braking move to overtake Gasly. Instead, he hit him, ending his race, with Lando Norris also getting caught in the crossfire, ending his race as well.
The British driver was very angry in the post-race media pen, going as far as calling for race bans for such incidents. Argentine fans came to Colapinto’s defense, but Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore was not impressed by the 23-year-old’s antics.
Paul Aron’s time to shine?
At just 22 years old, Paul Aron proved to be an excellent driver in Formula 2 and Formula 3, finishing third in both series in back-to-back seasons. Since 2025, the Estonian has served as Alpine’s reserve driver and Audi’s test driver.
Aron has accrued solid F1 experience, running nine free practice sessions since the start of 2025, highlighted by a P6 finish during FP1 in Barcelona this season. His competency has been proven, but it comes down to a matter of risk and reward at this stage of the season.
Alpine have become more competitive this season after switching to a Mercedes-powered engine. As a result, the battle for points is crucial for them during each race weekend. Although Colapinto’s errors have cost Gasly too, introducing Aron at this point of the season could do more harm than good to Alpine’s chances of P5 in the constructors’ championship.
The 22-year-old Estonian driver is ready to step in, if need be, but it will ultimately come down to Briatore and his limit with Colapinto. Nevertheless, Aron’s breakthrough into Formula 1 could be quite close, even if not in 2026.
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