Briatore Reportedly Pushing Alonso Return to Alpine for 2027
If true, the move would threaten Franco Colapinto's race seat because Pierre Gasly's long contract and Alonso's Aston Martin ties create steep contractual hurdles.
Overview
- A report first published on Saturday, August 1, 2026 by Auto Sport Web and picked up by other outlets says Flavio Briatore is trying to engineer Fernando Alonso's return to Alpine for 2027, but the claim remains unverified.
- Alonso has publicly denied plans to switch teams, telling media he has a contract and saying his 2027 decision will depend on whether the 2026 cars still give him enjoyment.
- Alpine's lineup is constrained by Pierre Gasly's multi-year extension that reportedly runs through at least 2028, meaning any marquee signing would need the team's second seat.
- Aston Martin's recent B‑spec AMR26 chassis upgrade and a pending Honda power‑unit update have noticeably improved its competitiveness, giving Alonso a concrete reason to stay at Silverstone.
- The rumor would put Franco Colapinto's newly secured 2026 seat at risk, though Briatore has told reporters that rebuilding Alpine's factory and engineering confidence is his current priority rather than signing drivers.