Colapinto renews with Alpine for 2026 alongside Pierre Gasly

Alpine announced in Brazil that Franco Colapinto will continue as a race driver in 2026. Pierre Gasly also remains with the French team to form the driver pairing for next year. The confirmation came on November 7th, a date that adds up to 43, coinciding with Colapinto's race number.

The Enstone-based team is last in the constructors' championship with just 20 points. Colapinto has not scored any points since replacing Jack Doohan in May, before the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Gasly contributed 19 of the team's 20 points.

Photo By Alpine

Zero Points for Colapinto in 18 Races

Colapinto completed 18 Grands Prix without scoring any points. His best finish was 11th place at Zandvoort, where he gained five positions from his starting spot. In the other races, he finished between 13th and 20th when he managed to see the checkered flag.

Gasly finished in the points on three occasions: seventh in Bahrain (6 points), eighth in Spain (4 points), and sixth at Silverstone (8 points). He also added one point at Spa-Francorchamps by finishing tenth.

Briatore Explains the Decision

"I have been following Franco's progress during his time in Formula 1 and I have always believed he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team," stated Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor for Alpine.

Briatore acknowledged the difficulties of the 2025 season: "It has been a difficult year for the whole team, and it has not been the easiest scenario in which to perform. Both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season."

Photo By Alpine

Special Announcement on South American Soil

"I am very grateful to Flavio and the whole team for their trust in me to help drive the team forward in the future," responded Colapinto. "Since I debuted in Formula 1, I knew it would be a huge challenge to maintain my place in this sport."

Colapinto valued the timing and location of the announcement: "It is very special to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country at an event that feels like a home race for me, where I have so much support."

With Colapinto confirmed, only three seats remain undecided for 2026. Red Bull Racing must announce Max Verstappen's teammate, while RB needs to complete its driver pairing. The other teams are keeping their current line-ups. Alpine aims to use the regulation changes to move away from the back of the grid. The gap to fifth place is considerable: Williams has 111 points compared to Alpine's 20. Colapinto will have another opportunity to prove his worth when the new regulations arrive.