Could the ‘Schumacher fear’ make an unexpected return to F1 as speculation mounts for Franco Colapinto gaining ground on Mick Schumacher in Alpine’s plans – As anticipation builds for the 2025 Formula One season, rumours of potential driver changes are already causing a stir in the paddock. At the centre of the speculation is Flavio Briatore, the veteran motorsport strategist known for his influence on team driver line-ups.
While he is officially an advisor to Alpine, his behind-the-scenes manoeuvring suggests a more significant role in the team’s long-term driver strategy. The latest rumours point to Franco Colapinto, a young talent who has seemingly overshadowed Mick Schumacher in critical selection tests.
Colapinto vs. Schumacher: A new rivalry in the making?**.
Last season, Franco Colapinto made a significant impact on the Formula One landscape. The 21-year-old Argentinian took over the Williams seat midway through the season, replacing Logan Sargeant, who was struggling with performance and making costly mistakes.
In what proved to be a crucial battle for a permanent seat, Colapinto managed to outperform Mick Schumacher in the selection process, ultimately securing his place ahead of the more experienced German.
Despite his strong performance in the second half of the season, Colapinto was unable to secure a full-time seat for 2025. However, that could soon change. In a surprising development, Alpine announced in January that they had signed Colapinto as a test and reserve driver.
The move suggests that the team see him as more than just a backup option. According to reports, Colapinto once again beat Schumacher in an internal evaluation, reinforcing Alpine’s belief in his potential.
Briatore’s influence: A clear path to F1 for Colapinto?
Flavio Briatore’s recent comments have only added fuel to the fire regarding Colapinto’s future. Speaking to *Le Parisien*, the Italian made a statement that has left many questioning the stability of Alpine’s current driver line-up: “The only thing that is certain is death. We’ll start the year with Pierre [Gasly] and Jack [Doohan], I guarantee it. After that we’ll see during the season.”
The cryptic comment has been widely interpreted as a sign that the Italian outfit is already considering mid-season changes to its line-up. Briatore is known to be an admirer of Colapinto’s talents and has openly praised the youngster’s abilities on several occasions.
With a track record of making bold driving decisions – having played a key role in the careers of the likes of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso – his words carry considerable weight.
Internally, sources suggest that Colapinto is not just seen as a long-term prospect, but as a driver who could be in a race seat as early as this season. His strong test performances and adaptability make him a compelling option should Alpine decide to shake things up.
Pressure on Jack Doohan: A short leash for the rookie?
The spotlight now turns to Jack Doohan, the highly-rated Australian rookie who has secured a race seat alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season. While Doohan has shown promise in the junior categories, he is entering a high-pressure environment where expectations are sky-high.
Reports suggest that Doohan could be on a provisional contract that only guarantees him a seat for the first six races of the season. If he fails to deliver competitive performances, Alpine could consider a mid-season move, with Colapinto waiting in the wings.
However, Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has sought to play down the speculation, claiming that Doohan will be given a “fair chance” to prove himself. He insisted that Colapinto’s signing was intended to “provide options for the future” rather than signal an immediate replacement plan.
Despite these reassurances, the reality remains that F1 is an unforgiving sport. If Doohan struggles to keep pace with Gasly, or makes costly mistakes early in the season, Alpine could find itself under pressure to speed up Colapinto’s promotion.
The Schumacher factor: Is Mick’s F1 comeback dream fading?
For Mick Schumacher, the latest developments represent yet another obstacle in his quest to return to a full-time Formula One seat. The son of the legendary Michael Schumacher has found himself on the periphery of the sport after losing his Haas seat at the end of 2022.
Since then, he has served as a reserve driver for Mercedes while actively seeking opportunities to return to the grid.
The fact that Colapinto has now twice beaten Schumacher in key evaluations is a worrying sign for the German driver’s prospects. If Alpine had considered Schumacher a serious contender, his repeated exclusion in favour of Colapinto suggests that teams are reluctant to invest in him as a long-term project.
The situation raises wider questions about Schumacher’s trajectory in motorsport. While he remains a respected name in the paddock, his window for an F1 comeback appears to be closing, especially as younger talent like Colapinto emerges as a more attractive option for teams seeking fresh talent.
Alpine’s 2025 Driver Strategy: A season of uncertainty?
As the season gets underway, Alpine finds itself in a fascinating position. The team has two officially confirmed race drivers, but Briatore’s comments make it clear that the situation remains fluid.
Pierre Gasly, with his experience and past success, seems relatively secure in his seat. Doohan’s future, however, looks far less certain. If Colapinto continues to impress behind the scenes and Doohan falters, a mid-season change of driver could well be on the cards.
Briatore’s history suggests that he is not afraid to make aggressive moves if he believes they will benefit the team in the long run. If Alpine are struggling to keep up with the competition, the introduction of Colapinto could be seen as a necessary shake-up to inject fresh energy into the team’s campaign.
For now, all eyes will be on Doohan as he begins his rookie season under immense scrutiny. If he rises to the occasion, he could secure his place in the long-term plans of the team. But if he stumbles, Franco Colapinto could find himself on the fast track to a full-time F1 seat sooner than expected.
MORE F1 NEWS – F1 steward sacked for conflict of interest
The doors of the FIA headquarters in the Place de Concorde in Paris has in recent times become something of a revolving door. Mohammed Ben Sulayem since his arrival as president of F1’s governing body has burned through three F1 race directors and a host of other senior staffers as rumours persist surrounding his negative leadership style.
The rally driving Emerarti inherited something of a financial mess when elected as president of the FI in 2021, much of which snow resolved. Yet his apparent desire to be front and central in all things F1 have led experienced commentators to suggest he is concerned about the limelight the CEO of F1 appointed by Liberty Media, receives.
Stefano Domenicali who runs the commercial interests of the sport for Liberty Media, is of course a well known F1 figure. He was the last team principal when Ferrari won an F1 world constructors’ title the season Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden drivers’ championship…
