Our Verdict: Alpine's Call on Franco Colapinto for F1 2026

Alpine has confirmed Franco Colapinto will partner Pierre Gasly for the 2026 Formula 1 season, signaling a commitment to continuity over another driver shuffle. Despite a rocky start after replacing Jack Doohan six races into the current season, Colapinto's performance has steadily improved, securing his future with the team against competition from reserve driver Paul Aron.

Why it matters:

• Alpine's decision to back Colapinto for 2026 suggests a long-term strategy, moving away from frequent driver changes that have plagued the team in recent years. This stability could be crucial as F1 undergoes significant regulation changes.
• The team's choice also hints at potential commercial considerations, with Colapinto's market appeal in South America likely playing a role in Flavio Briatore's decision-making process.
• If Alpine's aggressive plans for 2026, including a Mercedes customer engine and new regulations, bear fruit, Colapinto will face a significant test of his ability to perform in a potentially competitive car.

The Details:

• Improved Performance: Colapinto initially struggled after being parachuted into the Alpine seat but has shown marked improvement since the summer break, particularly from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards.
• Comparison to Teammates: He has demonstrated a competitive pace against both Alex Albon during his Williams cameo and more recently against Pierre Gasly at Alpine, particularly in qualifying and race head-to-heads.
• Experience Gained: Despite lacking a full pre-season, Colapinto has now completed what amounts to a full year of F1 racing across his stints with Williams and Alpine, providing him with valuable car familiarity.
• Commercial Appeal: Flavio Briatore reportedly sees significant potential in tapping into South American sponsorship through Colapinto, a factor believed to have influenced the decision to prioritize him over other contenders.
• Financial Considerations: Some analysts suggest that the ultimate decision is heavily influenced by financial backing from Colapinto's sponsors, especially given speculation around Renault's long-term commitment to F1 and a potential sale of the team.

What's next:

Colapinto's real test will come in 2026 with the new regulations and a Mercedes customer engine, which Alpine hopes will propel them into podium contention.

• The team aims to give Colapinto a fair chance with a proper pre-season and a full campaign commitment, allowing him to further assert himself.
• Should Alpine's performance improve significantly, the pressure on Colapinto will intensify, demanding consistent top-tier performances to retain his seat amidst potentially more attractive driver options for the team.
• The move also reflects Briatore's strategy to stabilize the team's driver lineup while potentially rebuilding the team's infrastructure and securing its financial future.