Franco Colapinto Secures Alpine F1 Deal for 2026 Despite Pointless 2025 Season

Franco Colapinto is set to make his full Formula 1 debut in 2026, as Alpine has granted him a new multi-year contract despite a challenging 2025 season where he has yet to score points. This move comes after a series of driver reshuffles, positioning Colapinto as a key part of Alpine's long-term strategy.

Why it matters:

After a tumultuous period with driver changes and inconsistent performance, Alpine's decision to commit to Colapinto for 2026 signals a clear strategy for stability and development. This long-term investment in a young driver reflects the team's ongoing rebuild and their focus on nurturing talent, even if immediate results haven't materialized. It also highlights the high-stakes nature of driver development in F1 and the significant faith a team places in potential over current form.

The details:

• Driver Journey: Colapinto initially joined F1 with Williams last year, replacing Logan Sargeant. He was later released to Alpine in January following Williams's signing of Carlos Sainz.
• Alpine Debut: Alpine signed Colapinto on a multi-year deal, initially placing him in a reserve role for 2025. He was then promoted to a race seat after Jack Doohan's demotion following six point-less Grands Prix.
• 2025 Performance: Despite the promotion, Colapinto has yet to score points in the current season. This contrasts with his teammate Pierre Gasly, who has accumulated 20 points, including 13 since Colapinto took over the race seat.
• Inconsistent Speed: Colapinto has shown flashes of speed, out-qualifying Gasly on five occasions (four on merit), but also crashed twice. Recently, as Alpine's overall performance declined, his race pace has improved, often finishing within four seconds of Gasly in the last five races.
• Future Confirmation: Amidst rumors about his future, with reserve driver Paul Aron considered a contender for his seat, Alpine has confirmed that Colapinto will retain his drive for the 2026 season.

The big picture:

Alpine's commitment to Colapinto for 2026 is part of a broader, "drastic" long-term strategy for the team, as backed by Pierre Gasly. This approach indicates a willingness to endure short-term struggles for potential future gains, focusing on developing a stable driver lineup alongside technical advancements. The team appears to be prioritizing continuity and the growth of its young talent as it navigates a challenging period in Formula 1.

What's next:

Colapinto's confirmation for 2026 provides him with a clear path forward and an opportunity to mature into his role without immediate pressure of losing his seat. The focus will now be on his development and consistent performance as Alpine looks to improve its car and challenge higher up the grid in the coming seasons. His performance in the remainder of 2025 will be crucial in building momentum and confidence heading into the next regulatory cycle.