Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has dropped a bombshell that could shake up the Formula 1 driver market for 2026. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Briatore revealed Alpine’s interest in securing rising talent Franco Colapinto, who made an impressive debut for Williams late in the 2024 season. However, with contracts firmly in place for Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan, and reserve driver Paul Aron in 2025, any move for the Argentine star would be on hold until the following season.
A Surprising F1 Debut Turns Heads
Franco Colapinto’s F1 debut with Williams was nothing short of spectacular—initially. Stepping in for Logan Sargeant with eight races remaining, Colapinto delivered standout performances that showcased his adaptability and raw speed. While whispers of a potential Red Bull move swirled, his momentum was marred by massive crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas, tempering the excitement around his name.
Still, Colapinto’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Briatore describing him as a driver who “surprised everyone.” The Argentine’s combination of natural talent and on-track aggression has placed him firmly on Alpine’s radar as they seek to bolster their driver lineup for the future.
Alpine’s Current Driver Lineup
Briatore was quick to dispel rumors that Jack Doohan’s seat could be in jeopardy for 2025. The Australian rookie is set to partner Pierre Gasly in what promises to be a critical season for Alpine as they aim to climb back into contention.
“We have contracts with Gasly, Doohan, and Aron for next season,” Briatore clarified. “If there was an opportunity to get Colapinto for 2026, you have to think about it.”
While Briatore expressed interest in Colapinto, he also hinted that securing the young talent might not be straightforward. Williams is reportedly demanding a hefty release fee, rumored to be in the range of $20–30 million—numbers that could make Alpine think twice.
Alpine’s Focus on Young Talent
Alpine’s interest in Colapinto also raises questions about the team’s strategy for cultivating young drivers. Briatore emphasized that the team is narrowing its focus on standout talents within its academy, including Paul Aron, Gabriel Mini, and Victor Martins.
“The choice today is much greater than it used to be,” Briatore explained. “Today, there are six to seven promising drivers in Formula 2 and Formula 3. We want to concentrate on the good ones in our academy and no longer run around with a watering can.”
Colapinto’s Options Beyond 2025
If Colapinto doesn’t land a seat with Alpine or another top team for 2026, the young driver has made it clear he’s determined to stay active. He expressed a desire to combine extensive F1 testing with racing in another series to maintain his competitive edge.
“I really want to still be racing and still be active,” Colapinto told reporters. “I want to be always part of the paddock. I think it’s very important. I love racing. If it’s not here, because there is not a chance for 2025, I hope to be around in 2026 or 2027.”
The Bigger Picture
With Alpine positioning itself for long-term success under its ambitious restructuring plan, the potential acquisition of Franco Colapinto signals the team’s commitment to securing top talent for the future. However, balancing Colapinto’s arrival with their current lineup and academy prospects presents a tricky equation.
One thing is certain: the 2026 driver market is shaping up to be as competitive as the on-track battles, and Alpine seems poised to make bold moves to remain in the mix.
