The Australian was unlucky in Bahrain, but his huge crash in free practice at Suzuka may unfortunately be his lasting memory in Formula 1.<\/p>\n
After being signed on loan from Williams over the winter break, Flavio Briatore<\/a> handed Franco Colapinto<\/a> his chance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.<\/p>\n Position Constructors’ Standings PointsPts 1 559 2 260 3 236 4 194 5 70 6 52 7 51 8 45 9 35 10 20 <\/p>\n He found the barriers in qualifying, and although David Coulthard saw positives from Colapinto\u2019s Alpine debut<\/a>, he\u2019s also yet to get off the mark in the drivers\u2019 championship<\/a> this season.<\/p>\n There are already suggestions that Alpine have decided to drop Colapinto ahead of the 2026 season<\/a>, with the Argentine still on a rolling contract.<\/p>\n However, a leading candidate hasn\u2019t emerged yet after Alpine were turned down by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez<\/a>, who both decided to sign for Cadillac, but a new driver has now taken Briatore\u2019s interest.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Who is Alpine\u2019s F1 executive adviser Flavio Briatore? Everything to know<\/a><\/p>\n A report from F1 Insider<\/a> has shared more details about the future of IndyCar star Alex Palou<\/a>.<\/p>\n Palou emerged as a surprise candidate for Red Bull<\/a>, with the future of Yuki Tsunoda for next season still up in the air.<\/p>\n Suggestions that a deal could be done between the two parties have been dismissed, but Alpine have suddenly entered the conversation.<\/p>\n The report suggests that Briatore is \u2018genuinely interested\u2019 in hiring Palou for Alpine next season as he assesses which drivers are available to replace Colapinto.<\/p>\n Another connection exists between Palou and Briatore, and that\u2019s Fernando Alonso<\/a>.<\/p>\n Alonso has worked closely with Palou in the past, and his relationship with Briatore could prove useful if any negotiations take place.<\/p>\n It\u2019s believed that Palou isn\u2019t particularly convinced by a move to Formula 1 at this stage, but Alpine\u2019s upcoming deal with Mercedes to use their power units from 2026 might prove useful.<\/p>\n Considering the French outfit are currently bottom of the constructors\u2019 championship<\/a>, anything to give Palou more hope that they will improve next year will be very beneficial.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Who is Alpine 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto? Everything you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n Fernando Alonso believes Alex Palou is a racing \u2018phenomenon\u2019<\/p>\n Palou is now a four-time IndyCar champion and while the challenge of racing in Formula 1 might appeal to him, establishing his legacy in that series may be equally enticing.<\/p>\n![\"Alex](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2216365015-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Michael Allio\/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesFlavio Briatore \u2018genuinely interested\u2019 in signing Alex Palou to replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine<\/p>\n