Franco Colapinto has been confirmed as Alpine’s second driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, continuing alongside team-mate Pierre Gasly.
The Argentinian joined the Enstone-based squad as a reserve driver this year, having completed an impressive nine-race cameo stint with Williams last year.
Colapinto was then promoted to the race roster from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix onwards, replacing Gasly’s original partner, Jack Doohan.
The 22-year-old had initially fared poorly alongside his experienced French team-mate, who scored 20 points [the team’s current total haul] in the A525.
But as the season has progressed, Colapinto has edged far closer to Gasly in terms of performance, as the car has continued to struggle towards the tail end of the field.
And despite a recent breach of team orders at Austin, in which he overtook Gasly when instructed not to, Colapinto has been entrusted with the team’s second car for 2026, when it becomes a Mercedes customer team.
The deal is not an extension, but a “continuation” of the multi-year deal that he had signed upon joining the team in his reserve role.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor and acting Team Principal, said: “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.
“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 grateful to overcome ‘huge challenge’ to remain in F1 with Alpine
Colapinto said ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix that he was he was hopeful of retaining his seat, citing a first opportunity to complete a pre-season testing programme as a reason to be given a chance.
And the team has acted on this and his recent form, giving him the seat over his only known competitor for it – current reserve driver Paul Aron.
“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future, Colapinto said.
“Ever since I made my Formula 1 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 1, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!”
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto shuts down reports about Alpine F1 stay
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