Briatore hints Colapinto could keep Alpine seat for 2027 as Alonso rumors swirl

Flavio Briatore has opened the door to Franco Colapinto staying at Alpine through 2027, suggesting the team could stick with its current lineup if progress continues. The comments come amid persistent rumors that Fernando Alonso is eyeing a return to Enstone.

Why it matters:

Alpine leads the midfield after seven rounds and needs stability to sustain its rebuild. Retaining Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly would preserve the chemistry powering its "best of the rest" campaign, whereas another driver shuffle risks stalling that momentum.

The details:

Colapinto joined Alpine at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and struggled early, but 2026 has brought a clear turnaround. His sixth-place finish in Canada and multiple top-ten results against Gasly have contributed 16 of the team's 57 points.

• On the Beyond The Grid podcast, Briatore praised Colapinto's mental and technical growth, noting the Argentine is relocating to Monaco and receiving heavy support to ease his F1 transition.
• Briatore likened the current driver harmony to past successful pairings and said if the relationship stays this strong, Alpine has no reason to change.
• Despite that, French reports claim Alonso — managed by Briatore — has effectively agreed a 2027 comeback, though neither party has confirmed it.

What's next:

Alpine will evaluate Colapinto's form through the end of August before finalizing its lineup ahead of the summer break. His performances over that stretch will likely decide whether the team stands pat or makes room for an Alonso return.