Overview

• Flavio Briatore ruled out recruiting from the current F1 grid or taking a punt on inconsistent F2/F3 form.
• The selection will hinge on short‑term performance and long‑term potential with no managerial ties influencing the call.
• Franco Colapinto, 22, replaced Jack Doohan mid‑season at Alpine and has no points from nine 2025 starts after scoring five with Williams last year.
• Paul Aron, 21, boosted his case with an FP1 outing for Alpine at Monza after earlier Sauber appearances and serves as an official reserve.
• Pierre Gasly is signed through 2028, with Alpine last in the standings and planning a 2026 switch to Mercedes engines.