Briatore Hints at Colapinto Retention for Alpine 2027 as Alonso Rumors Swirl

Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has strongly hinted at retaining Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2027 season, praising the Argentine's development and the solid working relationship within the garage. The comments arrive with Fernando Alonso's future still unresolved, fueling speculation the Spaniard could seek a fourth stint with the Enstone-based team Briatore once led to back-to-back world titles.

Why it matters:

Securing a stable driver line-up is critical for Alpine as it rebuilds under Briatore's guidance. Having switched to Mercedes power for the 2026 regulations, the team has shown marked improvement and currently sits fifth in the Constructors' standings. Locking in consistent talent would cement that upward trajectory rather than risk disrupting progress with another driver change.

The details:

• Colapinto has scored 16 points this season, including a sixth-place finish in Montreal, playing a key role in Alpine's P5 standing.
• Briatore noted the 23-year-old is gaining confidence after moving to Monaco, advising him to simply enjoy driving rather than overthink the pressure.
• The Italian drew parallels between the Gasly-Colapinto pairing and past successful line-ups such as Alonso with Giancarlo Fisichella and Jarno Trulli during Renault's dominant era.
• Despite the praise for Colapinto, Alonso remains a factor. The two-time champion's Aston Martin deal expires at the end of 2026, and with Briatore still managing him, a reunion at Alpine remains plausible alongside retirement or an extension at Silverstone.

What's next:

Alpine will monitor Colapinto's performances through the end of August and intends to make a decision before the summer break. While Alonso's potential availability adds an intriguing variable, Briatore seems to favor continuity if results and team chemistry hold, indicating Alpine's immediate priority is building technical strength around an established pairing rather than rolling the dice on another high-profile reunion.