Alpine Reportedly Finalizes Driver Lineup for 2026 F1 Season

Rumors suggest Alpine has made its final driver selection for the 2026 F1 season, reportedly committing to Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. This decision comes after Colapinto stepped into Jack Doohan's seat post-Miami and, despite the A525's struggles, has made a strong impression in recent races, solidifying his position within the team.

Why it matters:

Alpine's future driver lineup is crucial as the team navigates a challenging 2025 season while looking ahead to significant regulation changes and a new power unit supplier in 2026. Securing Colapinto for the long term signals confidence in his potential and aims to bring stability to their driver pairing as they target a return to competitiveness.

The Details:

• Colapinto's Rise: Franco Colapinto took over Jack Doohan’s seat after the Miami Grand Prix. Despite the Alpine car's uncompetitive nature this year, Colapinto has made a strong impression, leading Alpine to reportedly commit to him for 2026.
• Continuing Partnership: The 22-year-old Argentine is expected to partner with Pierre Gasly, who recently extended his contract until the end of 2028, at the French F1 team.
• Contract Announcement: Alpine is expected to finalize and announce Colapinto’s contract extension around the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a race close to his native Argentina, where he enjoys significant fan support.
• Challenging 2025 Season: Alpine currently sits at the bottom of the constructors' championship. Recent races in Austin and Mexico City proved disastrous, and prospects for points in Brazil are minimal as the team has shifted focus entirely to its 2026 car.

The Big Picture:

Alpine's decision reflects a strategic shift towards the future. The team will switch to Mercedes power units in 2026, a move that brings considerable optimism within the team. They believe this change will enable them to regularly contend for points, a goal aligned with Gasly's renewed commitment. Colapinto, who previously raced with Mercedes power units at Williams in 2024, will be eager for the 2026 season's new era.

What's next:

While the exact terms of Colapinto's new deal remain unclear, especially regarding his ongoing involvement with the Williams driver program, the rumored extension points to Alpine's long-term vision. The official announcement during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend would confirm their commitment to a driver lineup that aims to capitalize on the new regulations and Mercedes power in 2026, hoping to reverse their current fortunes and climb back up the grid.