Alpine Narrows 2026 Teammate Search for Gasly to Three Young Drivers

Alpine Narrows Gasly's 2026 Teammate Search to Three Young Drivers\n\nWhy it matters: Alpine has secured Pierre Gasly until 2028, establishing him as their lead driver and primary point-scorer. The team's choice for his 2026 teammate is crucial, as it will significantly influence their future performance and strategic direction.\n\nThe big picture: Despite numerous names circulating, Alpine's serious candidate pool for the 2026 season is reportedly small and focused. The French outfit is prioritizing young talent over experienced veterans, ruling out options like Valtteri Bottas or Sergio Perez, who have since been confirmed by Cadillac for 2026.\n\nThe contenders:\n\n* Franco Colapinto: Currently in the second Alpine seat, Colapinto's season has seen an upward trend in performance, despite a lack of points and some early incidents. He is considered a very important candidate, potentially the main one, with Flavio Briatore reportedly keen on his presence for team stability.\n* Jack Doohan: A seat alongside Gasly would mark a return to F1 for Doohan, who was previously sidelined by Alpine earlier this season. He remains a strong contender for the role.\n* Paul Aron: Alpine's reserve driver, Aron has made a significant impression within the team. While his Formula 1 experience is limited to a handful of free practice sessions (including with Sauber), he meets Alpine's 'young talent' requirement.\n\nWhat's not happening: A recent report from a Japanese website suggesting Alpine's interest in McLaren junior Alex Dunne, a Formula 2 driver, is understood to be incorrect.\n\nWhat's next: Alpine will continue to closely evaluate these promising young drivers as they aim to finalize their 2026 lineup alongside Pierre Gasly, committing to a strategy of nurturing future stars within the sport.