Alpine has finalized its driver line-up for 2026, confirming at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that Franco Colapinto will retain his racing seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
Colapinto was signed by Alpine as reserve driver ahead of this season, replacing Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix in May. After a difficult start, his performance against Gasly has improved in the second half of the season and Alpine has now confirmed that the Argentinian driver will also race for it in 2026.
“I have followed Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula 1 and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to become a top driver who can grow with the team,” said executive advisor Flavio Briatore. “Our decision to continue together in 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a driver.
“It has been a difficult year for the whole team and it has not been the easiest scenario to perform in; however, both Franco and Pierre have done their best to put the team in the best possible position for next season. With the line-up of Pierre and Franco we have a good mix of experience, speed and talent that will take the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and cheer about next season.”
The announcement was made at 10:43 a.m. local time – including the two drivers’ numbers – and is the closest Colapinto has to a home race in Brazil. Alpine also referred to the date 11/7/25, which also equates to Colapinto’s driver number of 43.
“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to drive the team forward in the future,” said Colapinto. “Since I made my Formula 1 debut, I knew that it would be a huge challenge to maintain my place in this sport given the circumstances.
“It has been a long and hard road and I am very proud to be driving with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great teammate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.
“Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement this weekend here in Brazil. Being so close to my home country Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me and where I have so much support, I have so many fans on this journey with me and the team. That is why we are going to race and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula 1, we can hopefully give everyone who cheers us on something to really smile and celebrate.” Let’s go Alpine!”
Colapinto’s confirmation leaves only the Red Bull ride alongside Max Verstappen and two Racing Bulls seats unconfirmed for next season, and means that all existing seats completed so far will remain unchanged in 2026.
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