Alpine has finalized its 2026 driver line-up, confirming on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that Franco Colapinto will retain his race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
Colapinto was singed by Alpine as a reserve driver forward of this season, and changed Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix in Might. After a troublesome begin his performances relative to Gasly have improved in the course of the second half of the season, and Alpine has now confirmed the Argentinian driver will race for it in 2026 as nicely.
“I have been following Franco’s progress all through his time in System 1 and I’ve all the time believed that he has the proper attributes and potential to be a high driver who can develop with the group,” govt advisor Flavio Briatore mentioned. “Our choice to proceed collectively for 2026 is a transparent indication of our dedication and powerful help for Franco as he develops as a race driver.
“It has been a troublesome yr for the entire group, and it hasn’t been the simplest situation to carry out in; nevertheless, each Franco and Pierre have accomplished their greatest to assist put the group in the very best place for subsequent season. With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have now a great mix of expertise, pace and expertise that can assist drive the group ahead and hopefully give our followers one thing to cheer and shout about subsequent season.”
The announcement was made at 10:43 native time – incorporating the 2 drivers’ numbers – and comes on the closest to a house race Colapinto has in Brazil. Alpine additionally referenced the date of 11/7/25 as additionally including as much as Colapinto’s driver variety of 43.
“I’m very grateful to Flavio and the complete group for his or her perception in me to assist drive the group forwards sooner or later,” Colapinto mentioned. “Ever since I made my System 1 debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it could be an enormous problem to maintain my place on this sport.
“It has been an extended and difficult street, and I’m very proud for the chance to drive with this group once more in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been an awesome teammate and can undoubtedly be somebody I can proceed to be taught from.
“Lastly, it is extremely particular and well timed to make this announcement right here in Brazil this weekend. Being so near my dwelling nation of Argentina and an occasion that looks like a house race for me the place I’ve a lot help. To have so many followers on this journey with me and the group is why we go racing and subsequent yr, when there must be a reset in System 1, we will hopefully give each single one that cheers for us one thing to actually smile and rejoice. Vamos Alpine!”
The Colapinto affirmation leaves solely the Crimson Bull drive alongside Max Verstappen and two Racing Bulls seats as unconfirmed for subsequent season, and means all the current seats finalized to this point can be unchanged in 2026.
