Colapinto retains Alpine seat for 2026 F1 season

Alpine has finalized its 2026 driver line-up, confirming at 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 ahead of this season, and replaced Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix in May. After a tough start his performances relative to Gasly have improved during the second half of the season, and Alpine has now confirmed the Argentinian driver will race for it in 2026 as well.

“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,” executive advisor Flavio 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.”

The announcement was made at 10:43 local time – incorporating the two drivers’ numbers – and comes at the closest to a home race Colapinto has in Brazil. Alpine also referenced the date of 11/7/25 as also adding up to Colapinto’s driver number of 43.

“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future,” Colapinto said. “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.

“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 teammate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.

“Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me where I have so much support. To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula 1, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!”

The Colapinto confirmation leaves only the Red Bull drive alongside Max Verstappen and two Racing Bulls seats as unconfirmed for next season, and means all of the existing seats finalized so far will be unchanged in 2026.