Flavio Briatore has insisted his belief in Franco Colapinto remains undimmed following confirmation the Argentine driver will remain with Alpine for next season.
Colapinto has endured a difficult 14 grands prix this season since replacing Jack Doohan at the F1 team following the Miami GP in May, albeit in a woefully underperforming car, as he has yet to score a point heading into this weekend's race in São Paulo.
Although Alpine ran the rule over Paul Aron in a couple of first practice sessions this season, and retained Doohan as reserve, it has decided to keep faith with Colapinto for next season as per the multi-year deal signed in January to acquire his services from Williams.
Executive advisor Briatore, who has long admired Colapinto, said: "I've been following Franco's progress throughout his time in Formula 1, and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team.
"Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver.
"It has been a tough year for the whole team, and it hasn't been the easiest scenario to perform in. However, both Franco and Pierre [Gasly] have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season.
"With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have a good blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and shout about next season."
Expressing his gratitude to Briatore and the team for their belief in him, Colapinto has revealed that his time in F1 so far, following the crashes he endured late last season with Williams after replacing Logan Sargeant, has been difficult.
"Ever since I made my Formula 1 debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this sport," he said.
"It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud of the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great team-mate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.
"Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina, and an event that feels like a home race for me, where I have so much support.
"To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing, and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula 1, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate."
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