Overview

• Pierre Gasly told AutoHebdo that Franco Colapinto has shown encouraging form over the past two race weekends and is a viable option for 2026.
• Flavio Briatore confirmed the shortlist consists of Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron, with a decision targeted for October–November.
• Gasly says Alpine leaders regularly seek his input and describes his relationship with Briatore as open and honest, indicating his view carries weight.
• Colapinto has recently outqualified Gasly in Hungary, Italy and Azerbaijan, and finished ahead in Budapest, Zandvoort and Baku, bolstering his candidacy.
• Alpine has pivoted resources toward its 2026 project, and Gasly is contracted through 2028, underscoring the push for stability in the driver lineup.