Alpine has decided to keep Franco Colapinto for the 2027 Formula 1 season, ending speculation about a possible change in the driver lineup. The team’s executive consultant, Flavio Briatore, explained that continuity was considered essential for the French team.
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Colapinto will continue alongside Pierre Gasly, once again forming Alpine’s driver duo next year. This decision allows the team to set aside driver-related issues and focus its efforts on car development.
Briatore said that stability played an important role in the decision: “We are very happy to confirm our driver lineup for 2027, with Franco remaining as the main driver alongside Pierre. For me, having consistency is very important,” he stated.
The Argentine took a full-time seat at Alpine last year, replacing Jack Doohan, and continued with the team this season. Although there were speculations about a possible change for 2027, including rumors of Fernando Alonso returning to Enstone, the team chose to extend the contract with Colapinto.
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This decision also comes at a time of Alpine’s progress in the championship. After finishing last season in the last position, the team currently holds sixth place among constructors, and Briatore stated that with the duo set, the priority now is to build a competitive car.
“Now we are set from the drivers’ perspective and I have said many times that, although this is an important piece of the puzzle, the most significant thing we need to get right is designing and building a fast racing car, which remains our number one priority,” he added.
Briatore also positively assessed Colapinto’s progress throughout the year, citing the results achieved in Miami and Montreal as confirmation of his potential: “We have seen Franco really grow and mature as a great driver this year. His results in Miami and Montreal, especially, confirmed what I already knew: Franco belongs in Formula 1 and belongs to this team,” he concluded.
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