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Alpine Confirms Franco Colapinto for 2026 as Brazil Sprint Ends in Crash

The decision reflects Alpine’s pivot toward Formula 1’s 2026 rules reset.

Overview

  • Alpine announced on November 7 that Franco Colapinto will race full-time in 2026, unveiling the news at 10:43 with number symbolism tied to his No. 43.
  • Pierre Gasly remains his teammate for 2026, with the team framing the pairing as stability for the coming regulation change.
  • At Interlagos, Colapinto qualified 16th for the Sprint and later spun at the Senna S and retired, while Gasly finished eighth to score a point.
  • Argentine fans responded in force online and at Interlagos, turning the confirmation into a focal point of the Brazil Grand Prix weekend.
  • Coverage notes Alpine’s emphasis on 2026 development and reports of a possible switch from Renault to Mercedes power units, which the team has not officially confirmed.