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Colapinto’s Low-Key Argentina Homecoming Goes Viral as Alpine Confirms 2026 Seat and No. 43

The 22-year-old will finish his Argentine break before rejoining Alpine’s 2026 program under sweeping technical rules.

Overview

  • Fresh off the 2025 season, Franco Colapinto visited San Andrés de Giles with his father, shopped at a local supermarket, posed for selfies and was photographed carrying a carton of chocolate milk.
  • A butcher identified as Nubile Maggi said Colapinto’s father is a regular customer because he has a field in the area and noted it was the first time Franco joined him, drawing praise locally for his humble demeanor and attire.
  • During his first days back in Argentina, the Alpine driver kept a low profile with social outings that included an Airbag concert, a padel match with Carlos Tevez and a dinner with Bizarrap.
  • Alpine has confirmed Colapinto as a race driver for 2026 and Formula 1 has listed him with the same car number 43 he has used since entering the series.
  • Team staff continue developing Alpine’s new car for the 2026 rules, with preseason running scheduled before a March season opener in Melbourne.