Juan Pablo Montoya suggests that Franco Colapinto paced Paul Aron in Alpine’s recent F1 test, bringing new questions about the team’s driver choice.
Corapinto is scheduled to make his debut with Alpine at the Emilia Romana Grand Prix this weekend.
Argentina spent the early part of the season on the bystanders after not landing seats on the grid.
Corapinto was impressed with Williams’ short stint and replaced Logan Sargent’s midseason.
However, Williams already secured the Carlos autograph in 2025, leaving Colapinto without a drive.
Alpine made a surprise move to sign him as a test and reserve driver.
This led to speculation that Corapinto’s return to the grid was only a matter of time.
However, the long-term future for Corapinto is not safe, and he only has five races to trade.
That could mean that Corapinto was replaced later in the season.
Montoya suggests that Aron, one of Alpine’s other junior drivers, was faster than Cora Pinto in recent tests, so Estonian drivers can drive later this year.
Speaking to the Aposta website, Montoya said, “The main idea of Briatore will be the main pair for next year.
“If Corapinto comes in and starts beating Pierre Guthrie, will Guthrie be at risk of losing his seat? And many rumors are that Aron was faster than Corapinto in the Test. Corapinto did a good job.
“He’s in high pressure situations at Alpine. Williams had no hopes.”
2025 Alpine’s “Disposable” Year
It was an overwhelming start to the year for Alpine, who scored seven points in the opening six races.
They sit ahead of Sauber in the constructor ranking.
2026 could be a stronger year for Alpine, with the switch to Mercedes Power.
Montoya feels that Alpine should prove himself by giving Aron five races and give Flavio Briatore enough information to decide which driver to choose for next year.
“What’s unacceptable from a driver’s point of view is you committed to Jack Doohan and think he was the best choice. Alpine gave him a deal,” added Montoya.
“The situation with Franco Colapinto was not a big deal because Red Bull had so many issues, and now they’re getting attention.
“When Flavio Briatore came in, they signed a deal that Doohan had five races to perform. I can give Doohan five races, Corapinto five races, Paul Aron five races, and who’s the best choice for next year.
“I assume a lot of the car’s development has stopped. They’ll rebuild for next year. They’ll spend a minimum of money on the engine.”