Alpine Expected to Confirm Franco Colapinto Alongside Pierre Gasly for 2026 F1 Season

Rumors are swirling that Franco Colapinto is increasingly likely to remain with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season, racing alongside Pierre Gasly. While official talks are reportedly still ongoing, an announcement from the French team is anticipated shortly, possibly around the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

After solidifying Pierre Gasly's contract extension until 2028, Alpine's decision on his teammate is crucial for the team's long-term stability and competitive strategy. Confirming Colapinto would signal a commitment to continuity and nurturing young talent, potentially shaping the team's trajectory in the new regulatory era.

The Details:

• Driver Candidates: Originally, Paul Aron, Jack Doohan, and Franco Colapinto were considered as contenders for the 2026 seat.
• Colapinto's Performance: Colapinto stepped in for Doohan earlier this season and, despite some early struggles, has shown significant improvement, particularly in qualifying, frequently outperforming his teammate.
• Continuity and Stability: Alpine appears convinced by Colapinto's recent upward trend, suggesting that continuing with the young Argentine provides valuable continuity and stability within the team.
• Imminent Announcement: GPblog understands that Alpine is set to make an announcement within the next month, potentially coinciding with the Brazilian Grand Prix in mid-November.
• Strategic Timing: Announcing Colapinto's retention at the Brazilian Grand Prix would be a strategic PR move, given the large contingent of passionate Argentine fans who support him at Interlagos, despite the absence of an Argentine Grand Prix on the F1 calendar.

The Big Picture:

Alpine, having secured Gasly, is now focused on building a consistent and harmonious driver lineup for the future. Committing to Colapinto would demonstrate confidence in their young driver program and provide a stable platform for the team to develop under new regulations. This decision could be a cornerstone in Alpine's efforts to climb the grid and compete more effectively in the coming seasons, especially with major regulation changes on the horizon for 2026.

What's Next:

All eyes will be on Alpine for an official confirmation, which could come as early as the Brazilian Grand Prix. If the rumors hold true, Colapinto will join Gasly, forming a promising partnership as Alpine looks to optimize its performance and strategy ahead of the 2026 F1 season.