Overview
- Auto Motor und Sport reports Alpine will confirm Franco Colapinto for 2026 after internal reviews, citing his recent progress, scarce in‑house alternatives, and a decision not to recruit an outside veteran.
- Flavio Briatore publicly praised Colapinto’s form, saying he has matched Pierre Gasly over the last four races, and noted the Austin team‑order breach was settled after an apology.
- Multiple outlets indicate the announcement is being prepared for the São Paulo weekend, though Alpine has not made it official.
- Lando Norris won in Mexico to move one point clear of Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings, as Max Verstappen admitted his weekend was not perfect and Red Bull weighs late‑season 2025 gains against 2026 risks.
- The Mexico start drew criticism after several drivers cut Turn 1 without penalties, with Fernando Alonso’s radios highlighting frustration, while F1’s expert panel issued rare perfect scores to Norris and Oliver Bearman.