Colapinto Gets Second Chance at Alpine for 2026, Must Prove Himself

Franco Colapinto is set to continue with Alpine for a second season, a decision that reflects both his potential and a lack of strong alternatives for the French team. Despite recent speculation about his future, Alpine has chosen to invest in Colapinto, hoping he can mature into a consistent Formula 1 driver.

Why it matters:

After a challenging debut season where Colapinto showed flashes of speed but struggled with consistency and the car's limitations, this second opportunity is critical for his F1 career. With major regulation changes looming in 2026, Alpine is betting on a known quantity who understands the team dynamics, aiming to capitalize on his development as they look to climb the grid.

The details:

• Driver Selection: Alpine's decision to retain Colapinto comes amidst a lack of viable alternatives. Jack Doohan previously failed to impress enough for an F1 promotion, and bringing up reserve driver Paul Aron carries similar risks due to his unproven F1 readiness.
• Team Familiarity: Colapinto's existing relationship with the team is a significant advantage, especially as F1 transitions to a new generation of cars in 2026. This familiarity ensures a smoother adaptation process for both the driver and the mechanics.
• Performance Analysis: While Colapinto's first season saw him involved in 'unnecessary crashes,' he consistently demonstrated qualifying pace, often outpacing his more experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly.
• Car Limitations: A key factor in Colapinto's struggle to score points was the stagnant development of the 2025 Alpine car. With engineers' focus already shifting to the 2026 regulations, the current car offered little room for improvement, providing a valid excuse for his point-scoring difficulties.
• Future Expectations: For the 2026 season, Alpine anticipates a significant performance boost with Mercedes engines, aiming for regular points finishes and potentially podiums. This will place immense pressure on Colapinto to deliver consistent results.

What's next:

Colapinto now faces the challenge of translating his raw speed into consistent, clean performances. With a more competitive package expected in 2026, the pressure will be on to demonstrate he can be a reliable points scorer. This second chance is his opportunity to shed the 'rough diamond' label and establish himself as a serious contender in Formula 1.