In a bold move that could reshape the future of Formula 1, Alpine has decided to retain Franco Colapinto for the 2026 season, setting the stage for a high-stakes power play in 2027. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a calculated risk or a missed opportunity to bring in fresh talent? Let’s dive in.
As anticipated, Colapinto will reclaim his seat in the iconic blue and pink #43 car next year, with Alpine’s Flavio Briatore reaffirming his faith in the Argentinian driver. This decision comes on the heels of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, where Colapinto’s partnership with team veteran Pierre Gasly was solidified for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 season. And this is the part most people miss: Briatore’s choice was likely influenced by the financial backing from Colapinto’s Argentinian sponsors, prominently displayed through the yellow Mercado Libre branding on the car in recent races.
Alpine faced a critical decision: stick with Colapinto or start fresh with another rookie, the highly-rated but unproven Paul Aron. Ultimately, Colapinto’s improved performances against Gasly in the past five to six races tipped the scales. After the painful experience of prematurely dropping Jack Doohan and enduring a challenging 2025 season as Colapinto found his footing, Alpine decided not to repeat history. Here’s the kicker: is this a vote of confidence in Colapinto’s potential, or a pragmatic move to avoid another rookie gamble?
Colapinto himself expressed relief, stating, ‘The 2026 season will be my first full season in F1, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind. I’m obviously happy and looking forward to 2026. I know it’s going to be a much better year than 2025. The car is much more promising, and it has solutions to the problems we’re facing this year.’
Let’s break down the head-to-head qualifying stats between Gasly and Colapinto, which reveal a narrowing gap in performance. While Gasly leads 11-5 overall (9-5 without sprints), Colapinto has shown steady progress, particularly in races like Spain and Hungary, where he closed the gap significantly. But here’s the question: is this enough to justify keeping him, or should Alpine have aimed higher?
Now, zoom out to the bigger picture. Alpine’s 2025 season has been nothing short of disastrous, with the team languishing at the bottom due to a lack of car upgrades. However, the real drama lies in the 2027 driver market. With new regulations set to shake up the grid in 2026, continuity is key. Most teams are sticking with their current line-ups to navigate the challenges of new power units, aerodynamics, and weight limits. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Alpine’s decision to switch to Mercedes customer engines and gearboxes for 2026 could position them as a dark horse next year, potentially attracting high-profile drivers in 2027.
The 2027 market will be a free-for-all, with drivers and teams alike eyeing opportunities to jump ship based on who nails the new regulations. For Alpine, this means 2026 is not just about survival—it’s about proving they can compete. If they succeed, they could become a top destination for drivers who were previously out of reach. But here’s the controversial take: is Colapinto the right driver to lead this charge, or is he merely a stopgap until Alpine can land a bigger name?
Stability is crucial for Alpine’s 2026 campaign, allowing them to focus on developing a competitive car. If they pull it off, they’ll have the bait to attract bigger fish in 2027. For Colapinto, the pressure is on to prove he’s more than just a temporary solution. Here’s the burning question for you: Do you think Alpine made the right call with Colapinto, or should they have taken a risk on a more proven driver? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
