Alpine Retains Franco Colapinto for 2026 F1 Season with Mercedes Engine Switch

Alpine has confirmed Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, partnering Pierre Gasly as the team transitions to Mercedes power units under the new regulations. This decision follows Colapinto's steady progress since his debut earlier this year, despite an initially challenging adaptation to the Alpine car.

Why it matters:

Alpine's commitment to Colapinto for 2026 signals a strategic move towards stability and leveraging young talent alongside experienced leadership. The switch to Mercedes engines, combined with a confirmed driver lineup, aims to provide a fresh start for the team, which has faced performance struggles. This could be a pivotal moment for Alpine to reset and build a competitive foundation for the new regulatory era.

The Details:

• Driver Lineup Confirmation: Franco Colapinto will race alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026, creating a blend of youth and experience.
• Engine Change: Alpine will switch to Mercedes power units for the 2026 season, marking a significant technical change for the team.
• Colapinto's Journey: Colapinto debuted at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, replacing Jack Doohan. His initial struggles with the car created uncertainty, but consistent improvement convinced management of his potential.
• Flavio Briatore's Support: Alpine Executive Director Flavio Briatore expressed strong belief in Colapinto, citing his attributes and potential to grow with the team.
  • Briatore noted that despite a tough 2025 campaign, the Gasly-Colapinto pairing offers the right combination of experience and talent to drive the team forward.
• Colapinto's Gratitude: Colapinto thanked Briatore and the team for their faith, acknowledging the challenge of securing his F1 spot and expressing optimism for 2026 under the new regulations.

What's next:

With the driver lineup secured and an engine change on the horizon, Alpine is positioning itself for a significant reboot in 2026. The team will be closely watched to see if the new regulations and technical partnerships can translate into improved on-track performance and a more consistent challenge at the front of the grid. The development of the new Mercedes power unit and its integration with Alpine's chassis will be crucial in the coming months.