Alpine finally confirm F1 2026 driver line-up as Franco Colapinto learns his fate

Alpine have finally confirmed Franco Colapinto will continue to race in Formula 1 in the 2026 season. The decision comes after months of speculation over who would be given the second seat alongside team leader Pierre Gasly, who penned a contract extension earlier this year.

The Frenchman has scored all 20 of the points earned by Alpine in what has been a difficult year for the Enstone-based team. The decision to focus all their development resources on their 2026 car has meant they have lacked performance for much of the campaign and have not scored a single point since July.

Gasly started the year partnered by Jack Doohan who had made his debut in the 2024 Abu Dhabi race, replacing the departed Esteban Ocon. But it was clear before the season even began that the Australian was on thin ice with Alpine pouring fuel on that speculation by signing Colapinto as a reserve, after his nine-race stint with Williams.

The Argentine replaced Doohan, who had failed to score a point, after the Miami Grand Prix in May. But while that decision has not led to an uptick in results, de facto team boss Flavio Briatore has clearly seen enough from the 22-year-old to allow him to continue to race into the 2026 season.

Alpine had considered reserve driver Paul Aron and gave the Estonian racer the chance to audition with a drive in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix last month. Briatore was impressed with what he saw but it was not enough to dislodge Colapinto from the race seat, meaning Aron is set to begin the new season as Alpine's main reserve driver.

That means there will be no meaningful role available for Doohan, who was told after he was dropped that another chance to race might come along, but that has not materialised. Instead, he has been looking for race opportunities outside of F1 and is strongly linked with a switch to the Japanese Super Formula series, having recently travelled to the Asian country for talks.

"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," Flavio Briatore said on Friday. "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."