Franco Colapinto is geared up to participate in his initial complete Formula 1 venture in 2026, with Alpine extending a fresh agreement to him for the forthcoming term.
Colapinto transitioned to F1 from the Williams Racing Driver Academy in the prior year subsequent to a disappointing performance from Logan Sargeant, who was dismissed by the Grove-based organization. However, Williams released him to Alpine in January following Williams’ acquisition of Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon.
Alpine secured Colapinto “on a multi-year arrangement” with a reserve position for 2025. The 22-year-old experienced a promotion to a race seat when Jack Doohan faced demotion due to an underwhelming, point-less initial set of six grand prix events.
Colapinto has also been unsuccessful in accumulating points, a stark divergence from team-mate Gasly’s 20-point accumulation (comprising 13 from when the Argentine assumed the role).
Similar to his time at Williams, Colapinto has presented sporadic indications of pace. He has surpassed Gasly in qualifying on five instances – four based on merit – yet encountered two crashes. Recently, concurrent with Alpine’s descent in the hierarchy, the young racer has approached the Frenchman’s performance levels on Sundays; across the most recent five races, their finishing positions have consistently been within four seconds of each other.
Amidst escalating speculations surrounding Colapinto’s future, with Paul Aron – another of the team’s reserve pilots – vying for his position, Alpine has now verified that the Argentinian racer will uphold his driving duties in 2026.
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
“I’ve observed Franco’s development throughout his period in Formula 1 and have consistently held the conviction that he possesses the essential qualities and capacity to evolve into a prominent driver capable of maturing alongside the team,” stated executive advisor Flavio Briatore. “Our choice to sustain our collaboration into 2026 serves as an unequivocal demonstration of our dedication and robust encouragement for Franco as he advances as a racing competitor.
“It has constituted a demanding year for the collective team, and the circumstances have not presented the most straightforward setting for optimal performance. Nonetheless, both Franco and Pierre have committed their utmost efforts to assist in positioning the team favorably for the forthcoming season.
“Featuring Pierre and Franco within the lineup, we boast a favorable synthesis of expertise, velocity, and aptitude that will propel the team ahead and, ideally, furnish our enthusiasts with cause for jubilation and enthusiasm during the approaching season.”
Colapinto further conveyed that he never minimized the magnitude of the challenge embodied by F1.
“From the moment I commenced my Formula 1 journey, I recognized that, considering the prevailing conditions, preserving my standing within this realm would represent a considerable trial,” he acknowledged.
“The expedition has been protracted and arduous, and I harbor immense pride in securing the prospect of partnering with this team once more in 2026, in conjunction with Pierre, who has proven to be a splendid team cohort and will unquestionably function as a continual source of education.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
