Secrets, Salaries, and Sanctions: Franco Colapinto Caught in F1’s Latest Storm
Reports indicate the FIA is preparing a response to concerns over Mercedes’ engine performance, a development that could hit Alpine hard. With Franco Colapinto tied to the project, the stakes for the Argentine driver have never been higher.
Franco Colapinto should be concerned after reports that the FIA will go after the Alpine team's Mercedes engine for 2026.
According to information revealed by The Race, there could soon be consequences for the power unit developed by the German team, which will be shared with the Argentine driver's team.
"The FIA meeting on Thursday will be attended by technical experts on engines and aims to address concerns raised by Ferrari, Audi, and Honda about a possible exploitation of the F1 compression ratio limit.
"There is little expectation of any change in the short term. A source from a manufacturer familiar with the discussions taking place behind closed doors suggests that the best realistic hope is for the FIA to establish firmer guidelines so that everyone is on the same page by 2027.
“However, it is understood that the FIA does not want the issue to drag on until 2027, so it is evaluating a possible response that could come into play this year,” they said.
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How much does Franco Colapinto earn at Alpine?
Franco Colapinto and his alleged salary at Alpine since his return in the 2025 Formula 1 season has generated many reactions on social media, both positive and negative, but to put an end to the speculation, information about the possible figure is now available.
According to information recently revealed by the Alpine Club, this is what the Argentine driver would be earning at the French team: “Franco Colapinto's salary at Alpine since Imola: €45,000 per race.”
In other words, if the South American driver finishes the World Championship in the top category, he would have earned €810,000. This is far from what other drivers in the series earn.
However, we should also mention that the Latin American athlete is supported by important sponsors from Argentina, which strengthens his position both inside and outside Alpine.
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