Alpine has officially announced that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision puts to rest any 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 races. With the confirmation, Alpine’s driver roster for 2027 is now complete: Colapinto will continue alongside Pierre Gasly, who is already locked in on a long‑term contract.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, expressed his satisfaction with the lineup: "We are delighted to confirm that Franco will stay as a race driver next year, joining Pierre once again. Consistency is crucial for us, and we finally have stability behind the wheel.
While the driver line‑up is an essential piece of the puzzle, our primary focus remains on designing and building a faster car – that is still our number one priority." Briatore praised Colapinto’s development over the past season, highlighting his performances in Miami and Montreal as proof that the young Argentine belongs in Formula 1 and, specifically, at Alpine. "I have seen Franco grow into a very mature and capable driver.
His seventh‑place finish in Miami followed by a sixth in Canada demonstrated his ability to extract the maximum from the car," Briatore added. "I expect both Franco and Pierre to keep delivering strong results on track while the whole team works tirelessly to get to the front of the grid and eventually fight for victories." Although Colapinto did not score any points during the 18 races he contested for Alpine in 2025, the improved 2026 chassis has already helped him achieve six top‑ten finishes in the first twelve events of the current season. His best results, which Briatore referenced, came in back‑to‑back races in May: a seventh place in Miami and a sixth place in Canada.
Those performances have convinced the management that he is ready for a full‑time seat. Speaking after the announcement, Colapinto said he was thrilled to stay with Alpine for another year. "I feel very happy and settled here. The progress we have made this year compared with last season is remarkable, and I am eager to keep building on that momentum," he explained.
"The team is working extremely hard to find performance gains and to make the car better every weekend. Our long‑term objective is clear – to compete for wins – and I am grateful to Flavio, Steve Nielsen and the entire organization for the trust they have placed in me. I will concentrate on doing my job on‑track and let the results speak for themselves." Colapinto’s Formula 1 journey began in 2024 when he made his debut for Williams, stepping in as a surprise replacement for Logan Sargeant for the final nine rounds of that season.
Although he did not have a confirmed seat for 2025 because Williams had already finalized its line‑up, 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 initially described as a "loan" from Williams, appointing him as a reserve driver at the start of 2025. When Jack Doohan’s future became uncertain early in the 2025 campaign, Alpine promoted Colapinto from reserve status to a race seat, giving him the opportunity to compete in the remaining rounds. His showing during that stint, combined with the sponsorship potential linked to his popularity in South America, convinced the team to keep him on a more permanent basis.
Looking ahead, Alpine’s strategic plan revolves around developing a car that can challenge the traditional front‑runners. The organization has invested heavily in aerodynamics, power‑unit integration, and data analysis, aiming to close the gap to the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari. With a stable driver line‑up featuring a seasoned veteran in Gasly and a rising talent in Colapinto, the team hopes to translate technical progress into podium finishes and, eventually, race victories.
Fans can follow the upcoming races, including the iconic Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from September 4‑6. The season’s full calendar for 2026 has already been released, and the sport’s official streaming services allow viewers to watch every Grand Prix without a long‑term contract.
As the 2027 season approaches, all eyes will be on Alpine to see whether the combination of driver continuity and car development can finally bring them back to the front of the pack.