Overview
- Alpine has confirmed Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto as its 2026 race drivers, keeping Paul Aron in a reserve role.
- Aron said Colapinto’s Argentine profile makes it easier to attract followers, sponsors and money than it is for a driver from Estonia.
- Frustrated with simulator-focused duties, Aron argued two years is the practical limit for staying a reserve before momentum fades.
- Reporting notes long-simmering friction between Aron and Colapinto, recalling a contentious Formula 2 race at Imola as background.
- The Race ranked Colapinto fifth among 2025 rookies after clear mid-season gains against Gasly despite Alpine’s car limitations, setting a key 2026 proving year.