Alpine have officially announced that Argentine racer Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision puts an end to the speculation that had surrounded the 23‑year‑old after he was called up midway through the 2025 campaign to replace Jack Doohan after just six rounds.
By confirming Colapinto’s place alongside long‑term teammate Pierre Gasly, Alpine have now locked in their driver roster for the next year. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director, praised the move, stating, “We are delighted to confirm our 2027 driver line‑up with Franco staying as a race driver alongside Pierre. Consistency is vital for us, and with the driver side settled we can concentrate on what matters most – designing and building a fast, competitive car, which remains our number one priority.” Briatore went on to highlight Colapinto’s rapid development, noting that the Argentine’s performances in Miami and Montreal had convinced him that the young man belongs in Formula 1 and, more specifically, at Alpine.
“I have seen Franco grow into a great driver this year. His results in Miami and Montreal confirmed what I already believed: he has a place in this sport and with this team,” the Alpine executive said.
He added that both drivers are expected to continue delivering strong performances on track while the whole organisation pushes relentlessly toward the goal of fighting for podiums and, eventually, victories at the front of the grid. Although Colapinto did not score any points during the 18 races he contested for Alpine in 2025, the 2026 season has already shown a marked improvement.
Benefiting from a faster chassis, he has secured six top‑10 finishes in the first twelve rounds. 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 growing competence. Speaking after the announcement, Colapinto expressed his satisfaction with the extension. “I am very pleased to remain with this team in 2027.
I feel happy and settled here, and it’s even better that we have made significant progress this year compared to last,” he said. He emphasized the collective effort required to raise the car’s performance, noting, “We have many milestones to reach and I know the team is working hard to find performance and make the car better and better.” He concluded with a clear statement of ambition: “Our long‑term goals are obvious – to compete and win – and I am grateful to the team, Flavio and Steve Nielsen for the trust they have placed in me. I look forward to seeing how everything plays out and focusing on my job on‑track first and foremost.” 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 races of that season.
Although he initially lacked a seat for 2025 because Williams had already finalized its driver line‑up, his strong performances and the commercial appeal he brought from his Argentine fan base attracted Alpine’s attention. The French outfit signed him on what was described at the time as a “loan” arrangement from Williams. He began the 2025 season as Alpine’s reserve driver, but shortly thereafter was promoted to the race seat after Jack Doohan’s position became uncertain. Doohan, an Australian talent, had been the subject of speculation even before the season started, opening the door for Colapinto to take the wheel full‑time.
Looking ahead, Alpine’s strategy appears to be centered on stability and gradual progress. With Pierre Gasly already secured on a long‑term contract, the team can concentrate on developing a car that can challenge the established front‑runners.
Briatore’s comments underline a clear hierarchy of priorities: driver consistency first, then technical excellence. The emphasis on building a faster chassis reflects the broader trend in Formula 1, where aerodynamic innovation, power‑unit efficiency, and data‑driven development are crucial to closing the gap to the sport’s dominant teams.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar, which runs from March to December, includes a full slate of classic venues such as Monaco, Silverstone, and the newly added Las Vegas Grand Prix. Alpine will need to extract maximum performance from their 2026‑spec car across a diverse range of circuits – from high‑speed tracks like Monza to street circuits like Singapore – to give Colapinto and Gasly the best chance of scoring points and podiums. Fans can follow every race live via streaming services, and Sky Sports continues to provide extensive coverage, including podcasts such as The F1 Show and updates via WhatsApp.
As the season progresses, the team’s focus will be on translating the early top‑10 finishes into consistent point‑scoring runs, and eventually, challenging for podium positions. In summary, Alpine’s decision to retain Franco Colapinto for 2027 signals a commitment to continuity and confidence in the young driver’s potential. The partnership with Pierre Gasly offers a blend of experience and emerging talent, while the technical department works tirelessly to deliver a car capable of competing at the front. With the driver line‑up settled, Alpine can now direct its resources toward the ultimate goal: winning races and, one day, championships.