Briatore drops hint on Colapinto F1 future amid Alonso rumors

Franco Colapinto’s undeniable progress with Alpine could be laying the foundations for a long-term future at Enstone, with executive advisor Flavio Briatore openly praising the Argentine’s development and suggesting the team could look to retain its current driver pairing beyond next season.

After a challenging introduction to Formula 1, Colapinto has steadily transformed himself into one of the paddock’s most closely watched young talents.

The 23-year-old initially stepped into Alpine’s race seat at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last year, replacing Jack Doohan before eventually securing the drive on a continuing basis.

Results were difficult to come by during his first campaign, but the Argentine has made significant strides in 2026.

His breakthrough sixth-place finish in Canada, combined with a series of top-10 results and several qualifying victories over team-mate Pierre Gasly, has strengthened confidence within the French outfit that it may have found a cornerstone for the future.

Speaking on the latest episode of Beyond The Grid, Briatore revealed just how much work has gone into helping Colapinto settle into Formula 1.

“Franco is integrating much better in the team. He's improving a lot – mentally, technically, relationship with the team. We’re working very hard with him,” he said.

The veteran Italian believes Colapinto’s progress extends well beyond what is visible on track.

“He's moving to Monaco. I see him a lot in Monaco. We're talking a lot with him. This young driver [arrived] in Formula 1 with a lot of pressure and to settle mentally is not easy. We need to help him.”

According to Briatore, the confidence that had initially been lacking is now beginning to emerge as the team’s efforts bear fruit.

“We've done a lot of work with Franco and now, little by little, the confidence [has arrived]. I don't know our level of talent we [will arrive at] with him. But sure enough, a talent. This is 100 per cent,” the Italian said.

Colapinto-Gasly pairing emerging as Alpine’s preferred option

Alpine’s resurgence this season has provided further encouragement. The Enstone-based squad has established itself as the leading midfield force after seven rounds, collecting 57 points and positioning itself as the clear “best of the rest” behind Formula 1’s front-running teams.

Colapinto has contributed 16 of those points, while Gasly’s consistency and experience continue to provide a benchmark for the team’s technical development.

Together, the pair have helped create a stable environment at a time when Alpine is attempting to build momentum ahead of Formula 1’s next major competitive cycle.

That stability appears increasingly valuable to Briatore as he considers the team’s plans for 2027.

“If Franco is performing like he's performing now and the relationship between Franco and Pierre is like now, it's the same we have with [Fernando] Alonso at the time, with [Giancarlo] Fisichella, with [Jarno] Trulli, super relationship. Why not?,” he explained.

“I know Franco very well now. We know Pierre very well. We are in the moment to technically build up the team, consistency. Maybe. We have plenty of races to go just to the end of August and before the summer break, we decide.”

• Read also: Briatore lifts lid on failed Mercedes talks over Alpine F1 stake

The comments suggest Alpine could be leaning toward continuity rather than entering another round of driver market upheaval, particularly if Colapinto’s upward trajectory continues through the remainder of the season.

Briatore emphasized that both drivers are already well understood within the organization and fit the wider rebuilding project currently underway.

While no final commitment has been made, Briatore’s remarks indicate that Alpine is seriously considering keeping both Colapinto and Gasly together as the team seeks continuity and technical stability heading into 2027.

Alonso rumors add intrigue to Alpine’s future

Yet one storyline refuses to disappear. As Briatore weighs Alpine’s future driver plans, speculation continues to swirl around a sensational return for Fernando Alonso.

The two-time world champion remains managed by Briatore, and reports emerging from France have gone as far as claiming that a move back to Enstone for 2027 is already effectively agreed.

Neither Alpine nor Alonso has publicly confirmed such claims, but the rumor has added a fascinating layer to the driver market conversation.

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