Alpine to Announce 2026 F1 Driver as Felipe Massa's Court Case Begins

Alpine is reportedly set to announce Franco Colapinto as their second driver for the 2026 F1 season, despite his challenging rookie campaign. Meanwhile, Felipe Massa's legal battle for the 2008 F1 championship has officially begun in London, with the FIA labeling his claims as "torturous" and "overly ambitious."

Why it matters:

Alpine's decision on their 2026 driver is crucial for the team's future competitiveness, especially given their current struggles. Concurrently, Massa's high-stakes lawsuit could potentially rewrite F1 history and set a precedent for future disputes regarding past championship results, impacting the sport's integrity and financial structures.

The Details:

• Alpine's Driver Choice: Franco Colapinto, who took over Jack Doohan's seat after the Miami Grand Prix, is expected to be confirmed as Pierre Gasly's teammate for the 2026 season. His current season has been difficult, partly due to the uncompetitive Alpine A525 car.
• Massa's Lawsuit Commences: Felipe Massa's legal challenge regarding the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship has started at London's Royal Courts of Justice. He seeks recognition as the rightful champion, approximately £64 million in lost earnings, and a statement from the FIA admitting a breach of regulations for not immediately investigating allegations of race-fixing in the 2008 Singapore GP.
• FIA's Response: The FIA has strongly refuted Massa's claims, describing them as "torturous" and "overly ambitious." This sets the stage for a contentious legal battle over a scandal that occurred 17 years ago, orchestrated by Renault, which significantly altered the outcome of the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Other Driver News:
  • George Russell views a potential partnership with Max Verstappen at Mercedes as a "lose-lose" for Verstappen, citing a performance clause in his own contract for 2027.
  • Isack Hadjar is reportedly "practicing" for a major F1 test in 2026, looking ahead to the new technical regulations, following a positive rookie campaign that included a third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Big Picture:

The 2026 season promises significant changes both on and off the track. Alpine's long-term driver strategy is taking shape amidst current performance challenges, while Massa's legal challenge introduces a retrospective element that could have profound implications for F1's historical records and governance. The convergence of these events underscores a period of potential transformation and scrutiny within the sport.

What's next:

• Alpine's official announcement regarding their 2026 driver lineup is anticipated soon, which will clarify their future competitive direction.
• Felipe Massa's court case is expected to unfold over the coming weeks, with intense scrutiny on the evidence and arguments presented by both sides. The outcome will be closely watched by the entire motorsport community, potentially influencing how historical injustices are addressed in sports.
• The F1 grid continues to evolve, with other drivers like Hadjar preparing for the 2026 regulation changes, signaling a period of strategic planning and development across multiple teams.