Colapinto to Race for Alpine in Imola? Hope, Not Confirmation, Says Sponsor

Franco Colapinto’s name is swirling in F1 circles as rumours hint at a surprise debut with Alpine during the Imola Grand Prix.

Talks of Franco Colapinto stepping in for Jack Doohan at Alpine F1 during the Imola Grand Prix caused a stir this week—but the excitement may be premature.

The buzz started when Horacio Marin, president of Argentine oil giant YPF and one of Colapinto’s key sponsors, appeared on local TV. When asked if the 21-year-old rookie would race at Imola, Marin laughed and said, “I can’t tell you.” But just as the show wrapped up—and apparently thinking his mic was off—he whispered to the host: “At Imola.”

The clip quickly went viral, sparking headlines across motorsport media and fueling speculation that Colapinto’s F1 debut was locked in.

Now, Marin is walking back his comment. Speaking to the press again, he clarified, “What I meant is that I hope Franco will race in Imola. I admit, maybe I got a bit ahead of myself.”

He also stressed that he doesn’t have inside information. “I’m the president of YPF, not Franco’s manager. We have a great relationship, but we don’t talk every day.”

Marin did share an amusing story from last year, recalling a moment when he predicted Colapinto would get a chance with Williams. “I told him the other driver was going to crash and he’d get the call. Two weeks later, it happened. He asked how I knew. I should’ve bought a lottery ticket.”

For now, Colapinto’s F1 appearance remains a possibility, not a promise. If it happens, it would be big—not just for the young driver, but also for his growing fanbase and sponsors.

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Colapinto to Race for Alpine in Imola? Hope, Not Confirmation, Says Sponsor Colapinto to Race for Alpine in Imola? Hope, Not Confirmation, Says Sponsor