Ralf Schumacher claims there is still one pay driver on the 2026 F1 grid

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Ralf Schumacher named the one driver on the grid who has a seat because of the financial backing he brings to the team.

In Formula 1, earning a spot on a team takes more than just skill behind the wheel. The sport’s huge financial demands mean drivers often need to bring more than just talent—they have to be marketable and profitable, too.

Sponsorship money is what keeps most F1 teams running. A driver who can attract sponsors doesn’t just help fill seats; they add real value beyond their performance on track.

Sometimes, that ability can even buy extra time when results aren’t there. Ralf Schumacher believes that’s exactly what’s happening with Alpine and Flavio Briatore’s continued patience with Franco Colapinto.

Ralf Schumacher suggests Franco Colapinto’s Alpine role is down to money

Speaking on the latest episode of Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher suggested that Franco Colapinto has Flavio Briatore’s backing at Alpine because of financial reasons.

Schumacher pointed out that Colapinto brings valuable sponsorship to the team, which he feels is a key reason why Briatore has chosen to back him.

“I truly believe that Flavio Briatore partly believes in Franco Colapinto and attributes a certain talent to him. There’s no question about that.

“But I think he has a few million reasons to do so. In the development phase, where the team is, it doesn’t necessarily matter if they finish in the last 10.”

“Gasly is someone he can rely on. Colapinto is someone who can be faster at times and slower. But he brings money that he urgently needs to get the team back on track,” Schumacher said.

“Renault and the investors want to contribute as little as possible, and every dollar is important.

“I don’t mean to diminish his achievement, but that’s part of the truth as to why Flavio Briatore agreed to go along with him. And if he ultimately gets his way because he adjusts his performance again, then all the better for him.”

Franco Colapinto’s Alpine future tied to Flavio Briatore’s support

While Briatore had initially pushed for Colapinto to leave Alpine before he re-signed with the team, he is now expected to support the Argentine strongly going forward.

Briatore has spoken highly of Colapinto since his performances began to improve, viewing him as a valuable asset to Alpine.

Colapinto’s future at Alpine is still uncertain though. There are voices within the organisation who believe that someone else might be a better fit for the team.

Despite being critical in the past, if Colapinto can maintain results like his P7 finish in Miami, there’s a good chance Briatore will stand by him moving forward.

Read more:

• Karun Chandhok says George Russell has the same weakness as Oscar Piastri in F1 title race
• Flavio Briatore ‘pushed’ Alpine to replace Franco Colapinto just before they extended his contract
• The ‘important’ advice Lionel Messi gave Franco Colapinto at the Miami Grand Prix