Alpine has officially announced that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision ends weeks of speculation about whether the 23‑year‑old, who was initially called up mid‑season in 2025 to replace Jack Doohan after just six races, would earn a full‑time seat for a second year. By confirming Colapinto’s place alongside long‑term teammate Pierre Gasly, Alpine has now locked in its driver lineup through 2027. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, praised the move, stating, “We are delighted to confirm our 2027 driver roster with Franco staying as a race driver next to Pierre.
Consistency is crucial for us, and having a stable driver line‑up allows us to focus on what really matters – building a faster, more competitive car.” He added that the team’s top priority remains the design and development of a race‑winning chassis, while also acknowledging the progress Colapinto has shown over the past year. Briatore highlighted Colapinto’s rapid growth, pointing to his standout performances in Miami and Montreal as evidence that the Argentine has earned his place in Formula 1. “His seventh‑place finish in Miami followed by a sixth‑place in Canada demonstrated that Franco belongs at the top level and that he fits perfectly with our team culture,” the executive said.
“I expect both Franco and Pierre to continue delivering strong results on‑track while the whole operation pushes relentlessly to compete at the front of the grid.” Colapinto’s 2026 season has already shown signs of improvement. Although he did not score points during the 18 races he contested for Alpine in 2025, the introduction of a faster 2026 car has helped him secure six top‑ten finishes in the first dozen rounds of the current campaign. His best results, which Briatore cited, came in back‑to‑back May races: a seventh place in Miami and a sixth place in Canada, marking his first points‑scoring outings.
Reflecting on his contract extension, Colapinto expressed enthusiasm about staying with Alpine. “I’m very happy to continue with the team for 2027.
I feel settled here, and it’s rewarding to see the progress we’ve made compared with last year,” he said. “We still have many milestones ahead, and the whole crew is working tirelessly to extract performance and improve the car every step of the way. Our long‑term aim is simple – to compete for victories. I’m grateful to Flavio, Steve Nielsen and the entire Alpine family for the confidence they’ve placed in me, and I’ll focus on delivering the best possible results on‑track.” Colapinto’s path to a full‑time seat has been anything but conventional.
He made his Formula 1 debut in 2024 with Williams, stepping in as a surprise replacement for Logan Sargeant for the final nine rounds of that season. Although he was initially left without a drive for 2025 because Williams had already confirmed its driver lineup, his strong performances and the commercial appeal he brings from his Argentine fan base attracted Alpine’s attention.
The French outfit signed him on what was described at the time as a "loan" from Williams, initially appointing him as a reserve driver. Early in the 2025 season, Alpine promoted Colapinto to the race seat after Jack Doohan’s position became uncertain. The move gave the young Argentine a chance to prove himself in a full‑time role, and his subsequent displays convinced the team that he deserved a longer‑term commitment. Looking ahead to 2027, Alpine aims to build on the momentum generated by its upgraded 2026 car.
The team’s engineering department is focusing on aerodynamic refinements, power‑unit integration, and tyre management strategies to close the gap to the front‑running manufacturers. With both drivers now under contract, Alpine hopes to develop a cohesive feedback loop between the cockpit and the factory, accelerating the pace of development. The broader Formula 1 calendar also promises exciting opportunities for the French squad. The 2026 schedule features a mix of classic European venues and newer markets, giving Alpine multiple chances to showcase its progress.
Fans can stream every race without a contract, listen to the official F1 podcast for in‑depth analysis, and stay connected via Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates. In summary, Alpine’s decision to retain Franco Colapinto for 2027 reflects a strategic commitment to driver stability and technical advancement. The Argentine’s improvement over the past two seasons, highlighted by his first points finishes and consistent top‑ten results, has earned him a place alongside Pierre Gasly.
As the team continues to refine its car and chase podiums, the partnership between Colapinto, Gasly, and the Alpine engineering crew will be a key factor in the quest to move from midfield contenders to genuine front‑runner status in the coming years.