The Alpine Dilemma: Who Will Join Pierre Gasly for the 2026 F1 Season?
As the dust settles on the 2026 Formula 1 season preparations, the tension is palpable. With only four teams left to finalize their driver line-ups, all eyes are on Alpine. While Mercedes is set to stick with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the future of Alpine’s second seat is shrouded in uncertainty. Pierre Gasly, the team’s lead driver, is secured until 2028, but the fate of Franco Colapinto, who has yet to score a point in 2025, hangs in the balance.
Colapinto’s journey has been rocky. After a promising tenure with Williams, where he managed two point finishes in his debut season, the young driver has struggled to find his footing in the turbulent waters of Formula 1 this year. With his current contract at stake, the question looms: should Alpine extend his contract or bring in fresh talent?
While it’s easy for F1 insiders to forget past performances, Colapinto was once hailed as a rising star. Last year, he outqualified his teammate Alex Albon on just his second Grand Prix weekend—a feat that sparked excitement among fans. However, his propensity for mistakes has haunted him, leading to speculation about his future. Tossing him aside now could mirror Red Bull’s missteps in the past, where they cycled through drivers, oblivious to the fact that their car was the real issue at hand.
Alpine is no stranger to pressure, and with Flavio Briatore at the helm, the temptation to make bold moves is ever-present. Yet, pulling the trigger on Colapinto could be a grave mistake if no suitable replacement is found. Could Yuki Tsunoda, currently at AlphaTauri, be the answer? If Red Bull decides to make room for F2 talent Arvid Lindblad, Tsunoda’s days at AlphaTauri may be numbered. Despite inconsistent performances, Tsunoda’s speed and experience could be invaluable for Alpine. His previous partnership with Gasly at AlphaTauri adds another layer of intrigue, as their camaraderie could foster team unity.
But the clock is ticking, and Alpine must act swiftly. Enter Leonardo Fornaroli—a name that is rapidly gaining traction. After a consistent and impressive F2 season, Fornaroli has proven his mettle without the backing of a top-tier academy. He boasts victories and point finishes, all while maintaining a clean driving record. If Gabriel Bortoleto can make an immediate impact in F1, Fornaroli deserves the same opportunity. Alpine needs reliability, and Fornaroli fits the bill perfectly.
Let’s not mince words: Colapinto is not a superstar. His ascent to F1 has been marked by mediocrity and a mere stroke of luck. While his early performances at Williams showed promise, they were not sustainable. Currently, he remains scoreless for Alpine, and the organization is reeling from deeper issues than just driver performance. With management in flux and speculation swirling about potential buy-ins, Alpine requires stability more than ever.
The reality is stark: Colapinto’s future hinges on whether Alpine can provide an environment conducive to growth. At just 22 years old, he is still finding his way. Perhaps a little patience could yield dividends. If he can adapt to new regulations and the team offers unequivocal support, he might just surprise everyone.
However, the competition is fierce. Luke Browning, currently making waves in F2, is also a contender for the Alpine seat. With nine podiums this season, including a victory at Monza, Browning is proving to be a formidable force. His background and experience, including a test drive with Williams, suggest he could slot in seamlessly.
With so many variables at play, Alpine faces a monumental decision: nurture Colapinto’s potential or take a gamble on fresh talent. The pressure is mounting, and the stakes have never been higher. As the clock ticks down to the 2026 season, only time will tell who will partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine. The team must act decisively to secure a future that fans and stakeholders alike can believe in.
