Alpine Confirms Franco Colapinto for 2026 F1 season Alongside Pierre Gasly
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – November 22, 2025 – Alpine F1 Team announced today that Franco Colapinto will continue as a driver for the team in the 2026 Formula 1 season, racing alongside Pierre Gasly. The confirmation came during the Friday of the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
Colapinto made his Formula 1 debut for Alpine at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix,stepping in to replace Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix. Despite a challenging initial adaptation to the Alpine car,Colapinto demonstrated progress that convinced team management to retain him for the 2026 season,which will see Alpine utilize Mercedes engines under F1’s new regulations.
“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,” said Alpine executive director 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.”
Briatore acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team in 2025, stating, “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.” He expressed confidence in the driver pairing, adding, “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 somthing to cheer and shout about next season.”
Colapinto expressed his gratitude for the team’s continued faith. ”I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future,” he said. “Ever since I made my F1 debut I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in the sport. It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the chance to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre who has been a great team-mate and undoubtedly someone I can continue to learn from.”
Colapinto previously impressed with a nine-race stint for Williams in 2024 before joining Alpine. He voiced optimism about the team’s plans for 2026 and the potential of the new regulations. “We can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate,” he added.
