Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Franco Colapinto has secured continued commercial backing ahead of the Formula 1 2026 season after Alpine F1 Team confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre. The announcement was made ahead of the opening practice sessions for the Australian Grand Prix 2026 in Melbourne.
The online marketplace has supported Colapinto throughout much of his motorsport career, becoming one of the most visible brands associated with the Argentine driver as he climbed the ladder toward Formula 1. The handshake logo of Mercado Libre remains one of the most recognisable elements among Colapinto’s commercial partners.
The renewed agreement also highlights the continued financial support behind Colapinto’s development in Formula 1. For Alpine, the partnership strengthens the team’s commercial presence in Latin America, a region that continues to grow in importance for the global reach of Formula 1.
“Starting my third year in Formula 1 is both a huge challenge and a dream come true.”
“Each season demands more preparation, more focus, and more ambition, and having the support of Mercado Libre, which believed in me from the very beginning, gives all that effort a very special meaning.”
“Today, I feel more experienced and more confident to push forward in this new chapter, ready to start the season in Australia and give everything from the very first lap.”
Colapinto enters his third season in Formula 1 with greater experience after progressing through the early stages of his career at the top level of motorsport. Long-term sponsorship backing is also considered a key factor in providing stability for his continued development within the championship.
Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore emphasised that the collaboration with Mercado Libre holds strategic importance for the Enstone-based team.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Mercado Libre this season.”
“From the beginning, we found a shared vision based on innovation, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of high performance.”
“Their presence strengthens our connection with Latin America, a key region for Formula 1, and we deeply value the company's sustained commitment to our project and to the talent that is part of the team.”
Meanwhile, Mercado Libre EVP and CMO Sean Summers reflected on the company’s decision to support Colapinto from the early stages of his Formula 1 journey.
“Three years ago, we decided to back a young talent who was taking his first steps in Formula 1.”
“There were no guarantees, no shortcuts. From day one, we were impressed by his work ethic, his character, and his enormous ambition to reach the highest level.”
“Today, seeing Franco start his third year in the category, firmly established within Alpine, ready to take on new challenges and truly compete against the best in the world, is a tremendous source of pride for all of us who have followed and supported him from the very beginning.”
With the renewed agreement, Mercado Libre reinforces its commitment to supporting Latin American talent in Formula 1. The partnership also forms part of Alpine’s preparation for the new campaign, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix 2026, the opening round that will offer the first indication of the team’s competitiveness this season.
Read Also
Charles Leclerc tops FP1 at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, leading a strong Ferrari performance ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc tops FP1 at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix for Ferrari, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at Albert Park.
Lando Norris ends FP1 early at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after McLaren detects a suspected gearbox issue on the MCL40.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!