Overview
- On Friday 14 August F1 analyst Marc Limacher reported that Alpine had a drafted 1+1 extension for Franco Colapinto but Flavio Briatore asked that the signing be paused while he monitors the driver market.
- The prepared 1+1 format means a one-year deal with an optional second season tied to conditions and the draft contract is the basis for the current hold.
- Colapinto has earned 19 championship points in the first half of 2026 with a best finish of sixth in Canada and he will return to race at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on the weekend of 21–23 August.
- Alpine is introducing upgrades at Zandvoort and the team may use track performance with the new parts to evaluate Colapinto before any formal decision is announced.
- Junior drivers such as Gabriele Mini are now mentioned as internal alternatives, so a Briatore-driven delay could change Colapinto's near-term status and the confirmation timing expected after the Zandvoort race week.