Alpine address 'happy accident' factor behind Franco Colapinto F1 extension

Alpine F1 managing director Steve Nielsen has stated Franco Colapinto's financial backing is a “happy accident” for the team.

The Enstone-based squad confirmed last week that Colapinto will remain at the squad in 2026 alongside Pierre Gasly.

Colapinto was promoted to a full-time seat earlier this season in place of Jack Doohan but has yet to score a point in what has been a challenging campaign for Alpine.

The Argentine is known to come with major backing from his home country, offering a strong injection of cash for the Alpine team.

While Nielsen acknowledged the money is a benefit, he highlighted the decision was primarily made from a talent point of view.

“You can't ignore the financials,” Nielsen told Sky F1.

“Of course, it plays a part in it. But ultimately, we've got Franco on talent and the fact that he brings a financial side of the happy accident.”

Colapinto initially struggled when he joined the team after the Miami Grand Prix, however Alpine has been encouraged by his turnaround at recent events.

“It’s very difficult for any of the new drivers coming in,” he said. “We've seen some come in and hit the ground running straight away, and we've seen others come in and struggle a little bit.

“Franco obviously did some racing to Williams last year, substituted for Jack from Imola, and struggled a bit to start with, to be honest.

“We're lucky to have Pierre as a marker, an established driver. Gradually, Franco was able to up his game and take the fight to Pierre in a car that's not as competitive as we would like to.

“But nonetheless, when you compare them to each other, he started doing a reasonable job and became comparable to Pierre, even quicker than Pierre on a few occasions.”