Alpine has officially announced that Argentine racer Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision puts to rest lingering speculation about the 23‑year‑old’s future after he was called up mid‑year in 2025 to replace Jack Doohan after just six rounds. By confirming Colapinto’s place alongside Pierre Gasly – who already signed a long‑term contract – Alpine has now locked in its driver roster for the upcoming campaign. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, expressed his satisfaction with the lineup: “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 thing we have to get right is designing and building a fast race car, which absolutely remains our No 1 priority.” Briatore went on to praise Colapinto’s development over the past year, highlighting his performances in Miami and Montreal as proof that the young Argentine belongs in Formula 1 and, specifically, at Alpine.
“I expect both Franco and Pierre to continue doing a fantastic job on track and for the entire team to push relentlessly until we are fighting, and winning, at the front end of this sport,” he added. Although Colapinto did not score any points during the 18 races he contested for Alpine in the 2025 season, the introduction of a faster 2026 chassis has already borne fruit. In the first twelve rounds of the current season he has logged six top‑ten finishes, a marked improvement that underscores both his growing confidence and the car’s enhanced performance. His standout outings came in May, when he finished seventh at the Miami Grand Prix and then improved to sixth in Canada – results that Briatore specifically cited as evidence of his rapid progression.
Speaking after the announcement, Colapinto said he was delighted to stay with the team: “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.
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.” Colapinto’s path to Alpine 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 entered 2025 without a race seat – Williams had already confirmed its driver line‑up – his strong showings and the commercial appeal he brings from his Argentine fan base prompted Alpine to secure him on what was described at the time as a “loan” from Williams. He began 2025 as Alpine’s reserve driver but was quickly promoted to a full‑time race seat when Jack Doohan’s future became uncertain.
The move gave Colapinto the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level, and his subsequent performances convinced the team that he deserved a permanent role. Looking ahead, Alpine’s strategy revolves around building a stable driver pairing that can develop in tandem with the car’s evolution.
The team’s technical department is focused on extracting maximum performance from the 2027 chassis, while the drivers are expected to provide consistent feedback and deliver strong results. With Gasly’s experience and Colapinto’s youthful vigor, Alpine hopes to create a synergistic environment that can challenge the traditional front‑running teams. The 2027 season will also feature a full calendar of Grands Prix, including classic venues such as Monza, where Ferrari hosts the Italian Grand Prix from September 4‑6. Fans will be able to stream every race without a long‑term contract, and additional content such as The F1 Show podcast and Sky Sports updates on WhatsApp will keep them engaged throughout the year.
In summary, Alpine’s decision to keep Franco Colapinto for another year signals confidence in his talent and acknowledges the progress he has made since his debut. The combination of a more competitive car, a clear technical direction, and a driver lineup built on continuity positions Alpine to fight for podiums and, eventually, race victories in the seasons to come.