Alpine’s Driver Selection for 2026: A Look Ahead
With Pierre Gasly firmly secured at Alpine until 2028, the focus now shifts to the selection of his teammate for the 2026 season. This crucial decision is expected to be finalized by the end of the current championship, as stated by Flavio Briatore, a key figure in the team’s management. At present, the position is held by Franco Colapinto, who has yet to score any points this year.
Briatore’s Insights on Colapinto’s Performance
Briatore, who has previously expressed concerns about Colapinto’s performance, has softened his tone in recent weeks. In a recent interview with Sky Sports F1, he acknowledged the improvements the young driver has made. "At the moment, I believe Franco is doing a good job… he was a bit inexperienced at the start, like many rookies and young drivers," Briatore noted. "However, in the last three or four races, he has shown much more consistency and has made fewer mistakes. We have four or five races left to evaluate him, and it is in November that we need to make a decision."
The Competition for the Second Seat
Colapinto’s potential retention as Gasly’s teammate is certainly a possibility, but Alpine has several options on the market that they are considering. One of the more prominent candidates is Jack Doohan, who currently serves as a reserve driver for the team. However, the likelihood of the Australian returning to the primary seat seems low at this point.
Another strong contender is Paul Aron from Estonia, who is also a well-regarded reserve driver within the Alpine setup. His performance and potential make him a valuable asset for the team as they contemplate their options for the future.
Limited Choices Outside the Current Roster
Looking beyond the current roster of Alpine drivers, the options appear to be quite limited. The recent confirmations of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez joining Cadillac have further narrowed the available market for potential signings. Nevertheless, Alpine’s partnership with Mercedes could create opportunities for Frederik Vesti, a reserve driver from the German team.
Additionally, there have been discussions around the potential return of Mick Schumacher to Formula 1. However, this possibility seems increasingly unlikely as Schumacher is expected to depart from the Alpine program in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Another name that has been mentioned in discussions is Felipe Drugovich, who serves as a reserve driver for Aston Martin.
The Urgency of the Decision-Making Process
The approaching deadline for this decision places additional pressure on Alpine. As of now, the team finds itself at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings, which could influence their choices moving forward. The urgency to finalize the second driver by November is compounded by the need to improve the team’s performance and standings in the championship.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming races. The performances of both Colapinto and any other contenders for the seat will be scrutinized. The next few races could significantly impact Alpine’s decision-making process and ultimately shape the future of the team’s driver lineup.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alpine?
As Alpine navigates this critical phase, the team’s management will be closely monitoring the performance of all potential candidates. Each race presents an opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills and secure their place within the team. The pressure is on for Colapinto to continue improving and for any challengers to step up and make a compelling case for the second seat.
In the world of Formula 1, where performance is paramount, the ability to adapt and grow is essential for any driver. For Alpine, the stakes are high, and the upcoming months will be pivotal in determining the direction of their driver strategy. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only affect the 2026 season but could also have long-lasting implications for the team’s future trajectory in the highly competitive landscape of Formula 1 racing.
