Why Caio Collet leftAlpine Academy

During the presentation of the 2023 vintage de l 'Alpine Academy last February, a name, although familiar in recent years, did not appear: Caio Collet. Member of the Renault Young Driver Program (which later became the academy that we all know) after his title in F4 France in 2018, the Brazilian was seen as a potential contender for the F1 in the future.

Despite the hopes placed in him, the young Caio never managed to take off definitively unlike his rival at the time Victor Martins who will debut this weekend in F2. Auriverde for its part is preparing for a 3^e season of F3, a number that can often work against a driver when looking for a new opportunity, whether at the next level or to repeat.

« After my second season of F3, I didn't really know what I was going to do next, he admits. I didn't know if I was going to make my transition toEndurance or continue in car and move to F2. The goal was to move up to Formula 2 but we could not find a seat or even the budget (…) My contract with Alpine depended on the results.

I had goals to achieve to continue within the academy and move up to F2. This was already the case in Formula Renault to move into F3. Unfortunately I didn't achieve them last year, it's that simple »

A rebound before a return home Alpine for Caio Collet?

With the road to F2 definitively blocked, the South American knocked on the doors of Endurance to continue his career in 2023. A solution with which he hoped to prolong the relationship with Alpine and which could allow him to dream of the premier category in barely a year.

« We were keen to continue the adventure with Alpine, he confides. Even though I'm no longer in the academy, I'm still in contact with them. The idea was to move to LMP2 this year before considering LMDh the next but ultimately we couldn't find an agreement."

Stalemate during the winter break, Caio Collet ended up finding a solution. While the transition to Endurance and promotion to F2 will wait, the Brazilian has decided to return for a new F3 campaign but this time with a team he has never worked with: Van Amersfoort Racing.

« For a while I was leaving to stay home, he admits when he talks about this new beginning. VAR finally came along and made me a good offer. We accepted it and now the goal is to do our best race after race and maximize the potential.

With the team, I think we can do a good job. As 3^e year, I can bring my experience to the team so that it continues to improve. I don't know where we stand but I hope we can fight at the front. »

If he has the lead in his F3 season, and rightly so, Caio Collet does not currently rule out a return to the Normandy ranks in the future. Who knows ? Perhaps even from 2024 if it manages to regain momentum in 2023 with very good results which will speak in its favor.

« I am still in contact with Alpine, He explains. I have the logo on my suit and I have access to their facilities. For example, if I have good results this season I can perhaps return there or have opportunities in other championships like the WEC. So we'll see what happens this year.."

Between Caio Collet and Alpine, the relationship is not over. It seems to be a “break” that the Brazilian hopes will not last too long either.

ALSO READ > Single-seater – What is the French program in 2023?