Lewis Hamilton Endorses Franco Colapinto Amid New Alpine Contract

Amid swirling speculation, Alpine racer Franco Colapinto has secured a new contract for the 2026 Formula 1 season, earning strong praise from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who shared a flight with Colapinto, commended his talent and character, providing a significant boost to the young Argentine's career as Alpine prepares for a new era in F1.

Why it matters:

Colapinto's new contract with Alpine, extending into the significant 2026 regulatory changes, signals the team's long-term commitment despite his current struggles to score points. The public endorsement from a figure of Lewis Hamilton's stature provides immense validation and confidence for Colapinto, particularly as Alpine transitions to a Mercedes customer engine and faces a challenging period of adaptation.

The details:

• Contract Extension: Alpine announced at the Brazilian Grand Prix that Franco Colapinto will remain with the team alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2026 F1 season.
• Hamilton's Praise: Lewis Hamilton described Colapinto as a "really lovely lad" and an "amazing" driver, reflecting on a positive conversation they shared on a flight from a test or race in Barcelona.
• Alpine's Transition: For the 2026 season, Alpine will shift from being a Renault works team to a Mercedes engine customer following Renault's decision to discontinue its F1 engine program.
• Performance Context: Despite not yet scoring points with Alpine after replacing Jack Doohan, Colapinto has shown improvement throughout the season, closing the gap to teammate Pierre Gasly.

The big picture:

Alpine's decision to retain Colapinto for 2026 emphasizes stability during a period of significant technical overhaul for the team and the sport. With new chassis and engine regulations, and a switch to Mercedes power units, continuity in the driver lineup is a strategic advantage. The team likely values Colapinto's increasing understanding of their operations and his potential for growth, rather than seeking an untested alternative who might disrupt the team's adaptation process.

What's next:

Colapinto will face a crucial test in the early rounds of the 2026 season to prove his worth as Alpine navigates a new regulatory landscape and engine partnership. His ability to adapt quickly and perform consistently will be vital for both his career and Alpine's aspirations in the new era of Formula 1.