Alpine issue Franco Colapinto F1 future update

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has issued an update on Franco Colapinto and his chances of remaining with the French outfit in 2027.

Colapinto initially joined Alpine last season and contested the final 18 rounds of the 2025 campaign after replacing now-Haas reserve Jack Doohan.

The Argentinian struggled throughout the year, often making costly mistakes and consistently falling well short of team-mate Pierre Gasly's pace.

Despite failing to impress, Colapinto was offered a full-time seat with Alpine for this season, a decision that has so far been consistently rewarded.

Colapinto has made a significant step forward in 2026 and has been able to match, and at times beat, Gasly, scoring points regularly throughout the season. He has finished in the points in five of the nine completed races, with sixth in Montreal his best result.

Alpine is well aware of how disappointing the start of Colapinto's Formula 1 career was, but Nielsen has outlined that if he continues to impress, he will remain with the team.

Asked about Colapinto’s position with the team, Nielsen explained: "Well, everybody wants more. I think Franco is a driver that has been a slow starter, dare I say it. He’s getting better.

"He’s produced some good runs this year already. Miami was good. China was good. He’s improving. So I think he’s there on merit and when the time comes, we’ll make the decisions.

"If he’s good enough, he’ll stay, and if he’s not, then there’s a better option. That’s just Formula 1."

What worked against Colapinto last year was Alpine’s car, which was one of the weakest on the grid. Colapinto struggled adjusting, while the new power unit regulations appear to be much more suited to his driving style. 

"I think his consistency, particularly in races, is a lot better than it was and his ability to hang on to Pierre," added Nielsen.

"He did a little bit of that last year but our car last year was so bad it was difficult to separate wheat from the chaff. But I think this year there’s been a few times where he’s been a match for Pierre and that’s good to see."