Rumours of withdrawal – Just weeks before the start of the new Formula 1 season, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto has found himself at the centre of growing speculation. In Argentina, in particular, rumours of a potential sponsor withdrawal have caused significant concern and raised fresh questions about the young driver’s future in the sport.
Reports suggest that one of Colapinto’s most important backers may be scaling down or ending its involvement, which could have serious implications given the role sponsorship has played in his rise to Formula 1.
Mercado Libre disappears from Alpine’s portfolio
According to the British motorsport website RacingNews365, the South American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre is no longer listed among Alpine’s official sponsors. The company’s absence from the team’s sponsorship portfolio has attracted immediate attention, with observers questioning whether the partnership has quietly come to an end.
Mercado Libre’s backing has been crucial for Colapinto over the past two years. The financial support has reportedly helped pave his path to Formula 1 and played a key role in securing his seat at Alpine. Consequently, any change in the relationship naturally fuels speculation about his long-term prospects with the team.
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Strategic rethink rather than a clean break?
The report claims that Mercado Libre is currently reassessing its motorsport commitments. Citing unnamed sources, RacingNews365 states that the company is reconsidering its partnerships and overall presence in Formula 1.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Argentina, the company is said to be shifting towards a broader South American strategy. This does not necessarily mean an exit from Formula 1 altogether, but it could involve redistributing sponsorship resources across multiple drivers and markets rather than focusing heavily on one individual.
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New deals with Bortoleto and Pérez raise questions
Adding to the uncertainty, Mercado Libre has recently expanded its Formula 1 footprint elsewhere. In mid-January, the company signed a sponsorship agreement with Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, underlining its intention to strengthen ties in another key South American market.
Meanwhile, the Mercado Libre logo has appeared on Sergio Pérez’s new Cadillac helmet, fuelling speculation that the brand is diversifying its presence across the grid. While these moves align with a continental marketing strategy, they also raise questions about Colapinto’s future role within the company.
Alpine partnership still possible
Despite the rumours, a complete split between Mercado Libre and Alpine has not been confirmed. According to the report, continued cooperation remains conceivable, albeit in a reduced form. Whether negotiations are ongoing or a new agreement has already been reached remains unclear.
For now, neither Alpine nor Mercado Libre has publicly commented on the situation, leaving room for interpretation and continued speculation.
Uncertainty fuels concern in Argentina
In Argentina, the story has dominated discussions among Formula 1 fans in recent days. Many fear that a reduction in sponsorship could jeopardise Colapinto’s place in the sport, given the competitive nature of the driver market.
Colapinto’s contract with Alpine expires at the end of the season and there is no guarantee of an extension. Without the same level of financial backing that helped him secure his current position, his future in Formula 1 could become increasingly uncertain.
Whether the current season will prove to be a turning point or the beginning of the end for Colapinto in the premier class will likely depend on both sponsorship developments and his performance on the track in the months ahead.
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