Flavio Briatore Faces a Crucial Decision: Who Will Join Gasly at Alpine in 2026?
In a shocking turn of events, Flavio Briatore, the Italian mastermind behind Alpine’s racing strategy, has declared that the future of the team hinges on a pivotal choice between two rising stars: Paul Aron and Franco Colapinto. With the clock ticking, Briatore promises to make his decision known within the next two races. The stakes couldn’t be higher!
On September 6th, Alpine officially announced a three-year extension for Pierre Gasly, solidifying his status as the cornerstone of the team through the end of the 2028 season. This move may not have raised eyebrows, considering Gasly’s undeniable talent and his ability to push the underperforming A525 into points territory during a turbulent 2025 season. Currently, Alpine finds itself languishing at the bottom of the constructor standings, making Gasly’s role even more critical.
In a season fraught with challenges, Gasly has been flanked by two teammates: Jack Doohan, who took the wheel for the first six races, followed by Franco Colapinto. Unfortunately, neither driver has managed to deliver the performances Alpine desperately needs, leading Briatore to explore other options. The executive had previously shown interest in seasoned veterans like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who both ultimately joined Cadillac for the 2026 season.
Now, the spotlight shines on the battle between Colapinto and Aron. In a candid interview with The Race, Briatore revealed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “We will choose between Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron. Paul is a very nice guy and a fast driver. I need to figure out what’s best for the team. I still need to see one or two more races; I haven’t decided yet.” His words underscore the uncertainty and competitive nature of the current driver landscape, particularly as he noted, “Outside of Verstappen, everything is a bit… chaotic. Today, F2 and F3 drivers can finish first in one race and fourteenth in the next; it’s all very confusing.”
As the tension mounts and the racing calendar progresses, all eyes will be on Briatore and his decision-making process. Will he opt for the promising talent of Paul Aron or stick with the experienced Franco Colapinto? The future of Alpine’s competitiveness could very well depend on this choice, and fans are left eagerly anticipating the outcome.