Formula 1 team Alpine sparked speculation about Franco Colapinto's future with a cryptic social media post. The message features numbers adding up to 43, the Argentine driver's number, and asks if followers have 'done the maths'. This comes ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, as Flavio Briatore visited Buenos Aires to finalize details with sponsors.
Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Alpine's official social media account shared an image featuring the numbers 07, 11, and 25, which add up to 43, the number assigned to Franco Colapinto in Formula 1. The accompanying phrase, 'Have you done the maths yet?', has fueled speculation about an upcoming announcement of his renewal for the 2026 season. On social media, users speculate that the date 07/11/25 might signal the official reveal.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's sporting advisor, made a surprise trip to Buenos Aires between the United States and Mexico Grands Prix. According to French outlet L'Auto-Journal, he met with key sponsors of the driver, including Mercado Libre, the main sponsor visible on the car. The aim was to secure the financial backing needed for Colapinto's continuation, with an agreement nearly finalized, though the duration—one or two seasons—remains undecided.
Briatore played a pivotal role in the talks, despite potential shifts in Renault's leadership that could impact his role. Colapinto, who recently sparked controversy by overtaking teammate Pierre Gasly in Mexico despite team orders, gears up for the Brazilian GP at Interlagos. The schedule features practice on Friday, November 7, a sprint race on Saturday, November 8, and the main race on Sunday, November 9, broadcast in Argentina on Disney+ and possibly Fox Sports.