Young talent Franco Colapinto is poised to secure his place in Alpine’s Formula 1 team for the long haul, extending beyond his initial five-race trial period. The Argentine driver stepped in to replace Jack Doohan mid-season, with Alpine keen on evaluating their options for the upcoming 2026 season, which promises new rules and a Mercedes engine upgrade.
Despite the struggles of the Alpine team as a whole, Colapinto’s potential shines through, hinting at a promising future in the sport. His performance, both on and off the track, has convinced Alpine that nurturing his talent and focusing on car improvement is the way forward, rather than constantly shuffling drivers.
The decision to retain Colapinto comes at the expense of Doohan, who, despite being part of the team for several years, did not receive the same level of patience and opportunity. Colapinto’s relative unfamiliarity with the team and the car seems to be an advantage, showcasing potential for growth and improvement that Alpine is keen to harness.
As Colapinto gears up for the upcoming races, his focus remains on fine-tuning his performance, particularly during the crucial Friday sessions. With each race, he aims to build on his learnings and push the Alpine car to its limits, aiming for better results and a stronger foothold in the competitive world of Formula 1.
With Silverstone on the horizon, Colapinto’s determination and hunger for success are palpable. The young driver’s journey in Formula 1 is just beginning, and as he navigates the twists and turns of the sport, all eyes are on him to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure his spot among the elite drivers on the grid.
