Alpine has officially announced that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision ends a period of speculation about the 23‑year‑old’s future after he was initially called up mid‑season in 2025 to replace Jack Doohan after only six rounds. By confirming Colapinto’s place alongside long‑term teammate Pierre Gasly, Alpine has laid out a clear driver line‑up for the next year. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, explained the rationale behind the move: "We are very happy to confirm our driver line‑up for 2027 with Franco staying as a race driver alongside Pierre.
For me, having consistency is very important. We are now settled from a driver point of view and I have said many times that, while this is an important piece of the puzzle, the most significant we have to get right is designing and building a fast race car which absolutely remains our No 1 priority." Briatore praised Colapinto’s development, noting that his performances in Miami and Montreal demonstrated his readiness for a permanent seat. "We have seen Franco truly grow and mature into a great driver this year. His results in Miami and Montreal especially confirmed what I already knew: Franco belongs in Formula 1 and he belongs at this team," he added.
The Alpine chief also expressed confidence that both drivers would continue to deliver strong results and that the team would keep pushing until it can compete for victories at the front of the grid. Colapinto’s 2026 season has already shown marked improvement.
Although he did not score points in the 18 races he contested for Alpine in 2025, the introduction of a faster 2026 chassis has helped him achieve six top‑10 finishes in the first twelve rounds of the current year. His most notable outings came in May, when he finished seventh at the Miami Grand Prix and then improved to sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Those back‑to‑back performances were highlighted by Briatore as evidence of his growing competence and his suitability for a full‑time role. Speaking after the announcement, Colapinto said he was delighted to stay with Alpine. "I am very pleased to remain with this team in 2027. I feel very happy and very settled here and it's been even better that we have made significant progress this year compared to last," he remarked.
He emphasized the collective effort required to raise the car’s performance, noting that the team is working tirelessly on development. "We have a lot more milestones to reach and I know the team is working so hard in finding performance and making the car better and better. Our long‑term goals are obvious – to compete and win – and I am grateful to the team, Flavio and (managing director) Steve (Nielsen), for the trust placed in me to be one of its drivers going into the future.
I'm looking forward to seeing how everything plays out and focusing on my job on‑track first and foremost," he added. Colapinto’s path to a permanent Formula 1 seat has been unconventional. He made his debut in 2024 with Williams, stepping in as a surprise replacement for Logan Sargeant for the final nine races of that season.
Although he did not secure a full‑time drive for 2025 because Williams had already locked in its driver line‑up, his strong performances and the commercial appeal he brought from his Argentine fan base attracted Alpine’s attention. The team arranged 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 him to the race seat after Jack Doohan’s position became uncertain, giving Colapinto an unexpected opportunity to prove himself on the grid. The decision to keep him for 2027 signals Alpine’s belief that continuity will help the team progress.
In a sport where driver changes are frequent, maintaining a stable pairing can aid in the development of the car, as drivers can provide consistent feedback and build a rapport with engineers. With Pierre Gasly already secured on a long‑term contract, the duo will have the chance to grow together, refine the car’s setup, and push the team toward the podium.
Looking ahead, Alpine’s technical department is focused on extracting maximum performance from the 2027 chassis, targeting improvements in aerodynamics, power‑unit integration, and tyre management. The team’s strategic aim is to close the gap to the front‑running manufacturers and eventually challenge for race wins.
Colapinto’s role will be pivotal; his ability to deliver consistent lap times, manage race strategy, and extract the car’s potential under varying conditions will be closely monitored. Fans can anticipate a busy schedule as the 2027 Formula 1 calendar unfolds, with classic venues such as Monza, Silverstone, and Suzuka returning alongside newer circuits.
Alpine will aim to capitalize on its driver stability and technical upgrades to deliver stronger results throughout the season. The partnership between Colapinto and Gasly, backed by a clear vision from team management, sets the stage for an ambitious campaign that could see Alpine climb the constructors’ standings and re‑establish itself as a serious contender in the sport.