Franco Colapinto is ready to participate in his first full System 1 marketing campaign in 2026, with Alpine giving him a brand new contract for the upcoming season.
Colapinto graduated to F1 from the Williams Racing Driver Academy final yr after an underperforming Logan Sargeant was dropped by the Grove-based outfit, however he was launched to Alpine by Williams in January following the latter's signing of Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon.
Alpine signed Colapinto “on a multi-year deal” with a reserve function for 2025, and the 22-year-old was promoted to a race seat when Jack Doohan was demoted following an underwhelming, point-less six opening grands prix.
Colapinto has failed to attain too, in stark distinction with team-mate Gasly's 20-point tally (together with 13 because the Argentine took over).
As he did at Williams, Colapinto has proven inconsistent glimpses of pace. He has outqualified Gasly on 5 events – 4 on benefit – however crashed out twice. Currently, as Alpine slumped down the pecking order, the teenager received nearer to the Frenchman's efficiency on Sundays; over the previous 5 races, they at all times completed inside 4 seconds of each other.
As rumours swelled over Colapinto's future, with Paul Aron – one of many staff's different reserve drivers – a contender for his seat, Alpine has now confirmed the Argentinian racer will retain his drive in 2026.
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Photograph by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photos by way of Getty Photos
“I have been following Franco's progress all through his time in System 1 and I've at all times believed that he has the correct attributes and potential to be a prime driver who can develop with the staff,” govt advisor Flavio Briatore mentioned. “Our determination to proceed collectively for 2026 is a transparent indication of our dedication and powerful assist for Franco as he develops as a race driver.
“It has been a troublesome yr for the entire staff, and it hasn't been the best situation to carry out in, nonetheless each Franco and Pierre have completed their finest to assist put the staff in the very best place for subsequent season.
“With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we've mix of expertise, pace and expertise that may assist drive the staff ahead and hopefully give our followers one thing to cheer and shout about subsequent season.”
Colapinto added that he by no means underestimated the problem that F1 represents.
“Ever since I made my System 1 debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it will be an enormous problem to maintain my place on this sport,” he admitted.
“It has been a protracted and difficult street, and I'm very proud for the chance to drive with this staff once more in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been an ideal team-mate and can undoubtedly be somebody I can proceed to study from.”
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