Alpine extends Colapinto’s F1 deal for 2026 season

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Franco Colapinto will continue his Formula 1 journey with Alpine after the team confirmed an extension to his contract for the 2026 season.

The 22-year-old Argentine, who joined the Enstone-based outfit earlier this year, has earned renewed faith from team management despite a testing rookie campaign.

Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore said the team’s decision reflected confidence in Colapinto’s potential and temperament, even amid a season of struggle for both the driver and the team.

“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,” Briatore said.

“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’s retention means he will continue alongside Pierre Gasly, maintaining continuity within Alpine’s driver line-up as the team works to rebuild after a turbulent season that saw the young Argentine promoted mid-year.

Colapinto: ‘A long and tough road’

Colapinto made his F1 debut with Alpine earlier this season after Jack Doohan was demoted following a string of poor results. Though the Argentine has yet to score a point, flashes of qualifying pace and closer race-day performances against Gasly have convinced the team to invest in his development.

The former Williams Academy driver acknowledged the steep challenge of cementing a seat in Formula 1, expressing gratitude for Alpine’s faith in his future.

“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,” Colapinto admitted.

“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.”

Read also:

Gasly’s gutsy outlook: Alpine’s future bright despite 2025 woes

Despite a campaign short on results, Colapinto has shown steady progress in the second half of the season, outqualifying Gasly on five occasions and matching his pace in recent races.

With Alpine sliding down the Constructors’ standings, Briatore’s backing signals a renewed push for stability and long-term growth.

For both team and driver, 2026 represents a chance to turn potential into performance – a new chapter built on belief, patience, and the promise of progress.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.