Alpine hint at timeline over crucial 2026 F1 seat decision

Alpine has hinted at when it will make a decision over who will partner Pierre Gasly at the team in 2026.

The Enstone-based squad commenced the current season with rookie Jack Doohan behind the wheel, before he was replaced by Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix.

However, Colapinto has not yet been confirmed by the team for next year and is facing competition for the drive from Paul Aron.

Colapinto struggled to match Gasly through his opening stint with the team, leading to doubt over his future.

However, Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has praised the steps Colapinto has made since arriving at the team.

“I think it’s difficult for any of the new drivers coming in,” Nielsen told media including RacingNews365.

“We’ve seen ebb and flow in lots of them that have come from F2 - five came from F2 last year, which is good. 

“Franco had a difficult start. I think we’ve seen that equalise and calm down a little bit. He’s now had the measure of Pierre in the last two or three races. So he’s on a par with him, which is good.”

Nielsen highlighted Alpine is monitoring Colapinto's performances as it closes in on a decision in the coming rounds.

“We don’t know where that slope will end, whether it’s going to continue,” he said. “We hope it does. 

“And then we’ll make our decision on Franco and whoever else is in the frame when we have to. 

“But we’re a few races away from that yet.”