Alpine’s Driver Dilemma: A Look Ahead to the 2026 Season

The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix presented more than just another challenging race for the Alpine team; it may have played a pivotal role in shaping the driver lineup for 2026. Based in Enstone, the Alpine team is currently experiencing one of its most challenging periods in recent years, finding itself at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings with only 20 points—entirely earned by Pierre Gasly.

Gasly, who has already secured his contract for 2026, leaves Alpine with the task of finalizing the second seat. Franco Colapinto, who came to the team after his contract with Williams was acquired by Flavio Briatore—the current advisor and influential figure within the team—was initially seen as the frontrunner for this role. However, the reality on the track has been tough for Colapinto, who has yet to score any points and has made rookie mistakes.

Challenges Faced by Franco Colapinto

The situation took a turn for the worse during the Azerbaijan race weekend. In the qualifying rounds, Gasly lost control at turn 4, resulting in a yellow flag. Mere moments later, Colapinto collided with the wall at the same spot. Cameras caught Briatore in the pits, seemingly murmuring “finito,” a gesture interpreted as a sign that his patience with the Argentine driver may be wearing thin.

Despite this setback, Colapinto has shown flashes of speed, averaging quicker lap times than Gasly in Azerbaijan and achieving notable positions in some recent qualifying sessions. However, this inconsistency—oscillating between promising performances and costly errors—has weighed heavily against him.

The Rising Star: Paul Aron

On the other hand, a strong contender has emerged in the form of Paul Aron. The Estonian driver nearly clinched the Formula 2 championship in 2024 and has participated in Friday practice sessions with both Alpine and Sauber. Within the team, he is viewed as a more reliable option. His diverse experience across various racing categories, including a stint in Formula E, bolsters his reputation as a versatile and mature driver ready to embrace the challenges of Formula 1.

Briatore has made it clear that the competition for the second seat is essentially a two-horse race between Colapinto and Aron, with the latter being a highly regarded reserve driver following solid performances in Formula 2 and even in Formula E. In a candid interview, Briatore stated, “It’s between Franco and Paul. Paul is a really cool guy, very fast too. I need to figure out what’s best for the team, you know?”

The Changing Landscape of the Driver Market

Jack Doohan, the former reserve driver who lost his position earlier in the year, seems to be increasingly out of contention for the seat, narrowing the competition to Colapinto and Aron. While Briatore had initially promised a decision by November, Colapinto’s misstep in Baku may have expedited the timeline for a decision. Although Colapinto still has several races to prove his worth, it appears that Alpine is seriously contemplating handing the wheel to Aron for the 2026 season.

Ultimately, the decision will reflect not only performance but also strategic considerations: Should the team take another gamble on a raw talent who is still making significant mistakes, or should they invest in a younger, more consistent driver to help steer the team back on course? The events in Baku could very well serve as evidence that the latter path is becoming increasingly likely.

The Importance of Driver Selection

The selection of drivers is crucial for any Formula 1 team, as it can significantly impact performance on the track and the overall trajectory of the organization. Alpine’s current predicament illustrates the complexities and pressures involved in making such decisions, especially when the stakes are high.

In Formula 1, having a strong driver lineup is essential for both competitive success and attracting sponsorships and investments. As the sport evolves, teams are under increasing pressure to deliver results. The right driver can elevate a team’s performance, while the wrong choice can hinder progress for years to come.

Evaluating Driver Performance

When evaluating drivers, teams often consider various factors, including speed, consistency, experience, and the ability to work well within the team structure. In this context, while Colapinto has shown glimpses of speed, his inconsistency and mistakes may prove detrimental in the long run. On the other hand, Aron’s proven track record in other racing series showcases his potential to contribute positively to Alpine’s goals.

The Role of Team Dynamics

Another critical aspect of driver selection is how well a driver fits into the existing team dynamics. Team cohesion can play a significant role in a driver’s performance, as well as the overall success of the team. A driver who communicates effectively with engineers, adapts well to the team’s strategies, and contributes positively to the team culture can make a significant difference in performance.

Briatore’s decision to evaluate both Colapinto and Aron based on their compatibility with the team’s objectives highlights the importance of this factor. A driver who aligns well with the team’s vision can foster a more productive working environment, ultimately leading to better results on the track.

The Impact of External Factors

Alpine’s decision-making process is also influenced by external factors, such as market trends, sponsorship opportunities, and the competitive landscape of Formula 1. As teams continuously seek to improve their performance and secure sponsorship deals, aligning with a driver who can attract attention and generate interest is paramount.

Drivers who have a strong fan base or media presence can bring additional value to a team beyond their performance on the track. In this regard, both Colapinto and Aron bring unique attributes to the table, and the decision will involve weighing these aspects carefully.

The Future of Alpine Racing

Looking ahead, the future of Alpine racing will largely depend on the decisions made regarding their driver lineup. As the team navigates through this challenging period, the choice between Colapinto and Aron will be crucial in determining the direction of the team moving forward.

The 2026 season is not just about immediate performance but also about laying the foundation for long-term success. With the right driver pairing, Alpine can position itself to compete more effectively in the Constructors’ Championship and regain its status as a formidable force in Formula 1.

Conclusion

In summary, the ongoing driver selection process at Alpine reflects the complexities and nuances of Formula 1 racing. With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serving as a critical juncture for the team, the decision regarding who will join Pierre Gasly in 2026 will be pivotal. As the team weighs its options between Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, factors such as performance, team dynamics, and external market influences will play a significant role in shaping the future of Alpine racing.

The coming months will be crucial as the team navigates these decisions, aiming to turn its fortunes around and emerge stronger in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.