Overview
- Multiple reports say Alpine plans to confirm Colapinto as Pierre Gasly’s 2026 teammate before the Brazilian Grand Prix as the team readies a Mercedes engine switch.
- Colapinto has yet to score a 2025 point, but post-summer outings show a clear pace gain that has closed the gap to Gasly.
- Latin American backing, including Mercado Libre, has bolstered his security as Flavio Briatore remains a key voice after earlier public misgivings.
- Alpine restricted the choice to in-house candidates, with reserve Paul Aron again impressing but comparing behind Colapinto’s reference in Mexico FP1.
- Confirmation would effectively shut the door on Jack Doohan’s near-term prospects of returning to a full-time Alpine race seat, according to The Race.