Briatore signals Colapinto may stay at Alpine for 2026

Flavio Briatore has suggested Franco Colapinto could be retained by Alpine for 2026, even after a difficult rookie season for the young Argentine.

The 22-year-old was drafted in mid-year as part of Briatore’s overhaul of the team, taking the place of Jack Doohan. Since then, his form has been uneven.

Last month, Briatore himself indicated that Colapinto might not have shown enough to justify another season, but at Monza, the 75-year-old offered a more positive assessment when speaking to Sky Italia.

"It's not decided yet, but at the moment I think Franco is doing a good job," Briatore said. "He suffered a bit from his inexperience at the start, like many of the rookie drivers. In the last three or four races, he's been much more consistent, without making any major mistakes. Maybe it'll be Franco, we'll see. We have four or five more races to judge."

Gasly’s new deal through 2028 confirms him as team leader, leaving Alpine weighing its choices for the second seat. Options are limited: Yuki Tsunoda is on the market but struggling badly at Red Bull, while names like Paul Aron have been linked but would bring greater uncertainty than keeping Colapinto.

Colapinto’s prospects are supported by the flashes he showed with Williams late in 2024 and the significant backing and fan interest he carries from Argentina.

Alpine’s wider situation is dire. The team is last in the standings after shifting its focus early to the 2026 rules package.

"The current car is all we have available for our two drivers for the remaining races, given the focus on developing the car for 2026," Briatore admitted. "We know some more weekends will be difficult, but we are confident in the work being done behind the scenes - better days are ahead for the team."