Why did Alpine stick to Colapinto for the forthcoming season?

On the eve of this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Alpine confirmed that Franco Colapinto will remain with the team in the forthcoming season, ending months of speculation over his future on the grid.

In 2025, Colapinto joined Alpine as a test and reserve driver on a multi-year deal. Following the Miami Grand Prix, Jack Doohan was demoted to reserve driver, and Colapinto took over his seat at the subsequent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

However, the 22-year-old Argentine's position was in doubt after failing to impress Alpine earlier in the season. Following the summer break, Colapinto managed to improve his performance which proved enough to earn a new contract for the 2026 F1 season.

Colapinto will partner and drive alongside Pierre Gasly, who recently committed his long-term future to the team.

With the confirmation, Alpine ended months of speculation over Colapinto's future on the grid. The Enstone-based outfit's Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore admitted that while Colapinto endured a 'bumpy ride' when he joined the British-French outfit at Imola, he is now a "different" driver who deserves his seat with the squad for 2026.

"I’ve been following Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula One and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team.

"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."

Speaking of the decision, Colapinto added: "I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future. Ever since I made my Formula One 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 team-mate 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 One, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate," Colapinto concluded.