Oct.17 (GMM) Franco Colapinto’s Components 1 future at Alpine appears more and more safe – helped by a significant new industrial push from his backers at Mercado Libre, whose vibrant yellow branding now options on the group’s particular livery for the subsequent three races.
The Argentine rookie has confronted blended evaluations on efficiency, with group advisor Flavio Briatore warning earlier this season that Colapinto nonetheless must impress extra to ensure his 2026 seat.
However off monitor, his worth to the Enstone outfit has by no means been stronger.
Alpine and Mercado Libre on Thursday unveiled the hanging yellow livery in Austin, celebrating Latin America’s rising affect in F1 by 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 an announcement. “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 captivated with Components 1.”
Colapinto mentioned racing in his sponsor’s colors is “very particular.”
“It means bringing a model to the monitor that was born in my nation and now represents hundreds of thousands of Latin Individuals,” he mentioned. “For any driver, competing in Components 1 is a dream. I’m dwelling mine – with effort, dedication, and the help of an unbelievable group.”
Chatting with reporters in Austin, the 22-year-old mentioned Alpine administration has merely requested him to “hold doing what I’m doing” within the last six races.
“I’m working very nicely with the group, and everyone seems to be staying motivated even once we’re struggling for tempo,” Colapinto mentioned, though he insisted he is aware of “nothing” about his future but.
“The automotive isn’t the place we wish it to be proper now, however I belief that subsequent 12 months will probably be fast. When our second comes, we’ll be prepared.”
