Is Franco Colapinto the Right Choice for Alpine in 2026?

Franco Colapinto is reportedly set to continue with Alpine in 2026, a decision that comes amidst ongoing speculation about the team's future driver lineup. This commitment positions Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly as Alpine aims to leverage the upcoming major regulation changes to improve its standing in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Alpine's driver choice for 2026 is critical. With significant regulation changes on the horizon, securing a strong and stable driver pairing is essential for a team looking to climb the grid. The decision to back Colapinto suggests a long-term strategy, but it also raises questions about whether Alpine is exploring all available talent, especially with other promising drivers potentially entering the market.

The Details:

• Colapinto's Journey: Colapinto started the current F1 season on the sidelines but was called up to replace Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix, indicating Alpine's faith in his potential.
• Internal Competition: Flavio Briatore previously indicated that the decision for the second seat would come down to Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron, suggesting an internal development focus.
• External Possibilities: The driver market for 2026 could see other talents become available. Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson, for instance, might be options if Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad are promoted within the Red Bull family.
• Strategic Vision: Alpine hopes to capitalize on the 2026 regulation changes to make a significant leap forward in performance. The consistency of a known driver like Colapinto might be seen as beneficial for this transition.

The Big Picture:

Alpine has been in a period of rebuilding and restructuring, with leadership changes and a renewed focus on its F1 project. The driver selection is a key component of this broader strategy, aiming to align talent with the team's long-term objectives for competitiveness. The choice of Colapinto over other potential candidates highlights Alpine's confidence in its junior program and its commitment to nurturing in-house talent.

What's next:

While Colapinto's apparent retention provides some clarity for Alpine, the broader driver market for 2026 will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The performance of Colapinto in the interim, as well as the progress of other drivers like Tsunoda and Lawson, will likely keep discussions alive regarding Alpine's ultimate decision. The team's ability to develop its car under the new regulations will ultimately be the most significant factor, but a strong driver pairing is crucial for maximizing any performance gains.