Alpine has officially announced that Argentine racer 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 originally called up mid‑season in 2025 to replace Jack Doohan after just six rounds, would be offered a full‑time seat for a second year. By confirming Colapinto’s place alongside Pierre Gasly – who is already tied to the outfit on a long‑term contract – Alpine has laid out its driver roster for 2027. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, praised the move, saying, “We are delighted to lock in our 2027 driver line‑up with Franco staying as a race driver beside Pierre.
Consistency is vital for us. From a driver perspective we are now settled, and while that is an essential part of the puzzle, our number‑one priority remains designing and building a fast, competitive car.” He went on to highlight Colapinto’s rapid development, noting the Argentine’s performances in Miami and Montreal as proof that he belongs in Formula 1 and, specifically, at Alpine.
“I expect both Franco and Pierre to continue delivering strong results on track, and I want the whole team to push relentlessly until we are battling – and winning – at the front of the sport,” Briatore added. Colapinto’s 2026 season has already shown marked improvement. Although he failed to score points during the 18 races he contested for Alpine in 2025, the introduction of a faster 2026 chassis has enabled him to secure six top‑ten finishes in the first twelve rounds of the current campaign. His standout outings came in May, when he finished seventh at the Miami Grand Prix and then improved to sixth in Canada, performances that Briatore specifically cited as evidence of his growth.
Speaking about his renewed contract, Colapinto expressed enthusiasm: “I am very pleased to stay with Alpine for 2027. I feel happy and settled here, and it’s rewarding to see how much progress we have made compared with last year.
There are still many milestones ahead, and I know the team is working tirelessly to extract more performance from the car. Our long‑term goal is clear – to compete for victories – and I am grateful to Flavio, Steve Nielsen and the whole organisation for the trust they have placed in me. I look forward to seeing how the season unfolds and will concentrate on delivering the best possible results on‑track.” Colapinto’s path to Alpine was unconventional. 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 year’s calendar.
Although he did not have a confirmed seat for 2025 – Williams had already finalized its driver line‑up – his strong showings, combined with the commercial appeal of an Argentine driver, caught Alpine’s attention. The French team arranged a "loan" agreement with Williams, initially naming Colapinto as a reserve driver for the start of 2025. When Jack Doohan’s future became uncertain early in the season, Alpine promoted Colapinto to the race seat, giving the young South American a chance to prove himself at the highest level.
The decision to retain him now reflects both his on‑track progress and the strategic value he brings to the team. Alpine’s 2026 car has shown a noticeable step forward in pace, and Colapinto’s ability to extract points‑scoring finishes from it suggests he can grow alongside the machinery. His performances in Miami – where he navigated a chaotic street circuit to finish seventh – and in Montreal – a technically demanding track where he secured sixth – demonstrated not only raw speed but also maturity in racecraft, tire management, and strategic thinking. Looking ahead to 2027, Alpine aims to build on the momentum generated by its improved chassis and the stability of its driver line‑up.
With Gasly already secured on a long‑term deal, the team hopes that the continuity between the two drivers will foster a collaborative environment, allowing them to share data, develop the car together, and push each other to higher levels of performance. The management has repeatedly emphasized that while driver talent is essential, the ultimate success in Formula 1 hinges on delivering a fast, reliable car.
Fans can anticipate a full season of competition as the 2027 calendar unfolds, with Alpine targeting consistent points finishes and, eventually, podiums. The team’s partnership with Sky Sports will continue to bring live coverage, streaming options, and related content such as podcasts and WhatsApp updates for supporters worldwide.
As the sport moves toward the next generation of regulations and technology, Alpine’s commitment to both engineering excellence and driver development positions them as a serious contender for the upcoming years. In summary, Franco Colapinto’s extension with Alpine underscores the French outfit’s confidence in his abilities and their belief that a stable driver pairing with Pierre Gasly will be a cornerstone of future success.
The combination of a faster car, a clear strategic vision, and a driver who has already shown he can adapt and improve makes the 2027 season an exciting prospect for Alpine and its supporters.