Franco Colapinto will remain on the Formula One grid in 2027 after Alpine confirmed a new deal for the Argentine driver. The 23-year-old will continue alongside Pierre Gasly next season, meaning Alpine’s driver line-up will remain unchanged.
For Colapinto, the announcement brings some welcome certainty after what has already been a rather eventful Formula One career.
He first joined the grid with Williams in 2024, replacing Logan Sargeant for the final nine races of the season. His performances quickly attracted attention, particularly back home in Argentina, but with Carlos Sainz joining Alex Albon at Williams for 2025, there was no permanent seat available for him.
Colapinto then joined Alpine as a reserve driver before being promoted to a race seat at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, replacing Jack Doohan. His first season with Alpine was far from straightforward. Colapinto failed to score a point in 2025 as the team endured a difficult year, but Alpine chose to retain him for 2026. That decision is now paying off.
Colapinto has taken a significant step forward this season, scoring 19 points across six of the opening 12 Grands Prix. He finished seventh in Miami before going one better in Canada, where he finished sixth – the best Formula One result of his career. Those performances have helped Alpine climb to sixth in the Championship.
His improvement has not gone unnoticed by Alpine management. Team Principal Flavio Briatore said consistency within the team was an important factor behind the decision and highlighted Colapinto’s performances in Miami and Montreal as evidence of the progress he has made.
For Colapinto, the new contract also means he can focus on the remainder of the 2026 season without the distraction of speculation surrounding his future.
From being drafted into Williams midway through 2024, to losing his seat, joining Alpine as a reserve, and eventually making his way back onto the grid, Franco has certainly earned his place in the 2027 season.
