Oct.17 (GMM) Franco Colapinto’s Components 1 future at Alpine seems more and more safe – helped by a significant new business push from his backers at Mercado Libre, whose shiny yellow branding now options on the workforce’s particular livery for the subsequent three races.
The Argentine rookie has confronted blended evaluations on efficiency, with workforce advisor Flavio Briatore warning earlier this season that Colapinto nonetheless must impress extra to ensure his 2026 seat.
However off observe, his worth to the Enstone outfit has by no means been stronger.
Alpine and Mercado Libre on Thursday unveiled the placing yellow livery in Austin, celebrating Latin America’s rising affect in F1 by means of a marketing campaign titled Unidos por la Velocidad (“United by Velocity”).
“The livery options Mercado Libre’s iconic yellow, seen throughout the subsequent three Grands Prix in Austin, Mexico Metropolis, and Sao Paulo,” Alpine mentioned in a press release. “The marketing campaign, starring Franco Colapinto and Brazilian soccer legend Neymar Jr., opens a brand new chapter in our partnership.”
Mercado Libre CMO Sean Summers mentioned the collaboration displays “a shared ardour for pace and excellence,” whereas Alpine advertising chief Man Martin praised the marketing campaign as a part of a broader technique “to attach with new audiences enthusiastic about Components 1.”
Colapinto mentioned racing in his sponsor’s colors is “very particular.”
“It means bringing a model to the observe that was born in my nation and now represents thousands and thousands of Latin Individuals,” he mentioned. “For any driver, competing in Components 1 is a dream. I’m residing mine – with effort, dedication, and the assist of an unimaginable workforce.”
Talking to reporters in Austin, the 22-year-old mentioned Alpine administration has merely requested him to “maintain doing what I’m doing” within the last six races.
“I’m working very properly with the workforce, and everyone seems to be staying motivated even after we’re struggling for tempo,” Colapinto mentioned, though he insisted he is aware of “nothing” about his future but.
“The automobile isn’t the place we would like it to be proper now, however I belief that subsequent 12 months it will likely be fast. When our second comes, we’ll be prepared.”
