Overview
- Multiple outlets citing Auto Motor und Sport report Alpine has decided to keep Colapinto, with an announcement expected in the coming days and likely before the São Paulo Grand Prix.
- Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore said Colapinto has run at Pierre Gasly’s level over the last four races and confirmed the driver apologized after disobeying team orders in Austin.
- Reporting attributes the decision to three factors: sustained performance improvement, a lack of ready academy alternatives beyond Paul Aron after Jack Doohan was dropped, and no pursuit of an experienced external hire.
- Recent results show Colapinto has matched or beaten Gasly in several events, while Gasly remains under contract through 2028 as the team’s other confirmed driver.
- Public interest grew as Mercedes shared photos of Colapinto with Kimi Antonelli, and a RacingNews365 column pushing Red Bull-affiliated alternatives drew pushback from fans.