Argentine Franco Colapinto will continue racing for the Alpine team in the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026, the team confirmed on Friday.
Colapinto’s short- and long-term future with the team has been uncertain for several months after a difficult run of form since replacing Jack Doohan at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in April.
A few weeks ago it was not clear whether he would continue until the end of the season, with reports suggesting that Alpine might return to Doohan or step up to reserve driver Paul Aaron for the final round of races.
Alpine has now confirmed that Colapinto will remain Pierre Gasly’s teammate next season.
“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for believing in me to help move the team forward in the future,” Colapinto said in a statement.
“Since I made my Formula 1 debut, I knew that given the circumstances, it would be a huge challenge to maintain my place in the sport.
“It has been a long and difficult road, and I am very proud to have 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.”
Alpine said in its statement that it made the announcement on November 7, with the date (11/07/25) adding up to 43, Colapinto’s race number.
Colapinto has become an overnight star in Argentina after a handful of impressive performances as Logan Sargent’s replacement at Williams halfway through 2024, becoming his country’s first Formula 1 driver since Gaston Mazzacan in 2001.
Williams loaned him to the Alpine team this season, initially as a reserve driver, although that role quickly accelerated to a full-time racing role.
Colapinto’s position in the team has been strengthened thanks to the strong financial backing he brings with him from Argentina, including Globant and YPF, as well as Latin American e-commerce company Mercado Libre.
Next year will be an important year for Alpine, as Renault has rebranded its Formula 1 operations for 2021.
This year will see the end of Renault’s engine programme, as the company will switch to Mercedes power in 2026, which will see a comprehensive set of new rules on the aerodynamic and powertrain side of the car.
