Overview
- Alpine announced before first practice in São Paulo that Franco Colapinto will partner Pierre Gasly in 2026, with adviser Flavio Briatore publicly backing the decision.
- Colapinto kept the seat he took from Jack Doohan after six races in 2025, remains without World Championship points, and has recently steadied his performances.
- The team slowed 2025 development to prioritize its 2026 car and engine switch, a trade‑off Pierre Gasly defended as necessary despite Alpine sitting last in the constructors’ standings.
- Multiple reports say Doohan is likely to race in Japan’s Super Formula with Toyota‑linked Kondo Racing in 2026, though Toyota’s Masaya Kaji declined to confirm any deal.
- Reporting indicates Alpine weighed alternatives such as Mick Schumacher, reserve Paul Aron and Valtteri Bottas, with Colapinto’s Argentine sponsorship support strengthening his case.