Franco Colapinto shared a witty comment on Pierre Gasly’s Instagram post featuring a group photo of drivers and their families taken at the Pierre Gasly F1 movie premiere. The moment caught attention as Colapinto expressed surprise at how tall he appeared in the back row of the picture.
The highly anticipated F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is scheduled for release on June 27. This film tells a fictional story inspired by Formula 1, weaving real racing footage from the 2024 season into its narrative. To celebrate the upcoming release, a special screening event was held in New York, drawing many F1 drivers, team members, and their families to attend.
During the event, the F1 community gathered for a memorable group photo, which Pierre Gasly later shared on Instagram. In the comments, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto made note of how noticeably tall he looked in the back row of the image.
“Wow I’m so tall,” Colapinto said in the comments.
Observers have noticed Colapinto seems to be standing on an elevated platform, likely a podium, which added to his height in the photo. Additionally, Colapinto playfully photobombed another picture featuring Gasly and his girlfriend Kika, holding two large bags in his hands. This lighthearted moment added a humorous touch to the event’s photo collection.
Both Colapinto and Gasly compete as teammates for Alpine. Colapinto joined the French team as a reserve driver at the start of the 2024 season. After replacing Jack Doohan at the Imola Grand Prix, his continued position on the team is expected to be reviewed before the British GP. Alpine is set to decide whether he will keep racing for the remainder of the season based on his performance so far.
Flavio Briatore Challenges Media Speculation on Colapinto’s Alpine Future
Following Colapinto’s mid-season debut with Alpine under a five-race trial arrangement, rumors began circulating about the driver’s future with the team. Argentine outlet La Voz del Interior suggested Colapinto’s standing at Alpine might be uncertain or negative. These reports sparked considerable discussion within the F1 community and fans.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor and interim team principal, publicly criticized the media for spreading false information about Colapinto. Speaking to Planet F1, Briatore dismissed the rumors as baseless and called out the press for sensationalizing the situation.
“I don’t think there are any rumours. The team is fine with Franco and that’s it. Franco is part of the team, I don’t know what rumours they are talking about. The problem is that the press publishes a lot of rubbish. It’s your fault, not ours. All these things come from Argentina and the people there. You should blame yourselves. You are the ones who put up so much bullsh*t, that Franco this and Franco that; it’s up to you. In fact, if you go on like this, it’s not good for Franco either.”
—Flavio Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor and Interim Team Principal
Briatore has previously walked back the speculation, clarifying that the five-race trial contract does not mean Colapinto’s position is in jeopardy. His strong defense indicates Alpine remains confident in Colapinto’s role within the team.
Implications for Franco Colapinto and Alpine’s 2024 Season
Colapinto’s appearance at the premiere and Briatore’s remarks highlight the tense atmosphere surrounding his Formula 1 career at Alpine. While the Argentine driver continues to adapt and prove himself on track, off-track narratives fuel uncertainty. The team’s decision ahead of the British Grand Prix will be crucial for his future in F1.
The F1 movie premiere itself has generated excitement across the sport’s fan base, blending cinema with real-world racing drama. Gasly’s sharing of the event underlines the close-knit nature of the F1 community, despite the ongoing challenges drivers face competitively and professionally.
As fans await the film’s global release and Alpine’s next moves, Colapinto’s journey remains one to watch amid the high-pressure environment of Formula 1 racing.