Franco Colapinto completes 2026 Alpine driver line-up
7th November 2025Alpine has confirmed their official 2026 driver line-up ahead of the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with Franco Colapinto confirmed to partner Pierre Gasly next season.
Feature image credit: Alpine
Just before practice commences on Friday, on a sprint weekend in Brazil, Alpine has confirmed that Colapinto will be their full-time 2026 Formula 1 driver and will bring ‘stability and continuity’ to the team.
The team has said his appointment is a continuation of their multi-year deal to secure Colapinto’s driving services in January this year.
“I’ve been following Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula One and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team,” said Flavio Briatore.
“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.”
The Argentine was brought in as a reserve driver before he was catapulted into the race seat, alongside Gasly, after six races when the team replaced Jack Doohan.
It was reported that the change was an assessment by the team to measure up Colapinto, and the team gave him six races but the Argentine remained in the seat following the British Grand Prix.
“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 my Formula One debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this 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 will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.
“Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me where I have so much support.
“To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula One, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!”
This announcement now means there are only three seats available on the 2026 grid, with Colapinto partnering Gasly, who is on a multi-year deal with the team.
The remaining options remain amongst the Red Bull family, who are yet to decide on their second driver, and who will compete at the sister team, Racing Bulls.
With a retained driver line-up, Alpine will see some new changes, as will the rest of the field, with the new set of regulations that will arrive next season. Additionally, Alpine will switch engine providers, moving away from Renault and heading to Mercedes.
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
