Alpine Confirms Franco Colapinto for 2026 F1 Season

After a long wait, Alpine has finally confirmed that Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2026 F1 season.

The announcement was made on Friday ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, bringing an end to the long-running saga surrounding Alpine's line-up for next year.

Colapinto joined Alpine in January on a multi-year deal from Williams and was promoted as a replacement for Jack Doohan, who underperformed at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May.

The Argentine driver failed to score a single point in his first 14 races with the team, and public criticism from Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore had put Colapinto's future in doubt amid his struggles.

Alpine's options for 2026 were significantly reduced after Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez joined the new Cadillac team.

The French team's choice then fell to Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron, with Colapinto ultimately getting the nod after showing improved performance since the summer F1 break.

Colapinto, whose best result for Alpine is 11th place at the Dutch Grand Prix, will continue to partner Pierre Gasly.

The French driver, who has scored 20 points for Alpine this year, signed a contract extension until the end of 2028 in September.

Briatore said Colapinto has shown that he has the attributes and potential to become a top driver in F1.

"I have been following Franco's development in Formula One and I have always been convinced that he has the right attributes and potential to become a top driver who can grow with the team," Briatore said.

"Our decision to stick with him for 2026 is a clear indication of our strong commitment and support to Franco as he continues to develop as a driver.

This year has been tough for the whole team, and it has not been the easiest scenario, but both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next year.

"With the combination of Pierre and Franco, we have a good mix of experience, speed, and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to celebrate and be proud of next year."

Colapinto said: "I am very grateful to Flavio and the whole team for their trust in me to help move the team forward in the future.

"Since I made my debut in Formula One, I knew, given the situation, it would be a big challenge to keep my place in the sport.

"It has been a long and tough journey, and I am very proud to have the opportunity to race with the team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great teammate and undoubtedly someone I can continue to learn from."