Allegations of Sabotage: Is the Alpine Team Undermining Franco Colapinto?

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where milliseconds define careers and reputations, the recent string of misfortunes faced by Franco Colapinto has begun to raise more than just eyebrows. Behind the pit wall and the polished press releases, there may be a darker story unfolding — one that points to an alleged internal campaign of sabotage and psychological warfare within the Alpine Academy team.

A Disturbing Pattern

Over the course of the 2025 F1 season, Colapinto’s car has been plagued by a baffling series of mechanical issues and strategic mishaps. While the occasional error is part and parcel of racing, the frequency and timing of these problems — from software glitches in the engine management system to incomplete repairs by the mechanical crew — suggest a deeper issue.

In several races, Colapinto reported problems with the car’s setup and engine mapping, only for engineers to “discover” a critical error in the system post-race. On other occasions, he was sent out with unresolved mechanical faults that should have been addressed during pit checks. These are not rookie mistakes — they’re avoidable errors that consistently rob the driver of his competitive edge.

Morale Undermined

Multiple sources close to the paddock have described an atmosphere of quiet hostility, where Colapinto is often isolated, receives minimal debriefing support, and is sidelined in key strategy discussions. The message is clear: Alpine no longer sees Colapinto as part of their long-term vision.

By failing to provide a reliable car and creating a toxic psychological environment, some allege Alpine is trying to engineer a quiet exit. Rather than firing Colapinto — which could generate bad press given his popularity and Argentine fan base — they appear to be applying pressure through indirect sabotage. The goal? To make him quit of his own accord or underperform enough to be dropped without scandal.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t the first time Alpine has been accused of mismanaging talent. Critics have pointed to a revolving door of promising drivers who were either benched or pushed aside with little explanation. If the Colapinto situation confirms these suspicions, it may reflect systemic flaws in Alpine’s approach to junior driver development.

The potential loss of Colapinto — a driver with charisma, speed, and the support of a passionate fanbase — would be a monumental misstep. And if the allegations of sabotage are ever proven, it would mark a disgraceful chapter in Alpine’s racing legacy.

What’s Next?

Fans and pundits alike are now watching closely. Will Alpine respond to the mounting criticism? Will Franco speak out? Motorsport is as much a political game as it is a technical one, and if there’s one thing history has shown us, it’s that talent alone is never enough — especially when your own team becomes your biggest obstacle.