Ralf Schumacher claims there is still one pay driver on the 2026 F1 grid
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.
Photo by Dom Gibbons - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images 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.