Franco Colapinto will remain on the Formula 1 grid with Alpine in 2026, to race alongside Pierre Gasly as the team switches to Mercedes engines for F1's new regulations.
Colapinto made his debut for Alpine at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May, replacing Jack Doohan who had started the season but was dropped after Miami.
While a difficult start to Colapinto's adaptation to the tricky Alpine car made his future with the team uncertain, steady progress has helped him prove to management that he deserves to remain on board for 2026.
Alpine’s executive director Flavio Briatore believes that, while the 2025 campaign has not been an easy one for the team, the combination of Gasly’s experience and Colapinto’s youth will help Alpine progress next year.
“I’ve been following Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula 1 and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team,” explained Briatore, as the team announced Colapinto's 2026 deal on the Friday of the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
“Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver.
“It has been a tough year for the whole team and it hasn’t been the easiest scenario to perform in. However, both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season.
“With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have a good blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and shout about next season.”
Colapinto endured some tough times early on with Alpine, amid huge expectations to perform after his impressive nine-race cameo for Williams in 2024, but is thankful he's been given time to show his potential for improvement.
Speaking about his new deal he said: “I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future.
“Ever since I made by F1 debut I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in the sport.
“It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre who has been a great team-mate and undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.”
Colapinto added that he hoped the plans the team has in place for 2026, and the opportunities offered by the new regulations, will deliver better results.
“We can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate,” he added.
