The Argentine driver completes Alpine’s 2026 lineup and will race alongside Pierre Gasly as the team enters Formula 1’s new regulatory era.
Alpine’s future in Formula 1 is taking shape: Franco Colapinto has been officially confirmed by the team as a full-time driver for the 2026 season, joining Pierre Gasly in the French squad. The announcement was made during the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend — a fitting stage, given the huge support the young Argentine enjoys from South American fans.
According to Alpine, “this decision represents the natural continuation of the multi-year agreement signed earlier this year, following Colapinto’s debut at the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Since then, the Buenos Aires-born driver has shown constant improvement, earning the trust of the Enstone-based team and building an excellent relationship with engineers and mechanics.”
The confirmation comes at a pivotal time for Formula 1, with the arrival of the new 2026 technical regulations expected to shake up the competitive order. The Gasly–Colapinto pairing brings together experience and youthful energy — two qualities Alpine believes are essential to kickstart a new era.
Team Principal Flavio Briatore praised the young driver’s journey:
“I’ve always believed Franco had what it takes to become a great driver. The decision to continue together in 2026 shows our confidence in his potential and our commitment to building a solid future. It’s been a challenging season for everyone, but both he and Pierre have worked tirelessly to put us in the best position possible for next year.”
Just minutes before the start of FP1 in Brazil, Colapinto expressed his gratitude to the team:
“I’m thankful to Flavio and everyone at Alpine for believing in me. It’s been a tough journey, but staying in Formula 1 and continuing with this team is a dream come true. Announcing it here in Brazil, so close to my home country, makes it even more special. 2026 will be a kind of ‘reset’ for F1, and I want to give our fans something to really cheer for.”
Photo: BWT Alpine F1 Team
