Why Franco Colapinto Secured a 2027 Seat with Alpine
Franco Colapinto's contract extension with Alpine for 2027 is a testament to his improved performance and growing maturity. His partnership with Pierre Gasly has bolstered the team's campaign for higher championship standings.
Franco Colapinto has earned himself another year with Alpine, extending his stay into the 2027 season. This decision comes after a notable upturn in his performance during 2026, where he consistently scored points in half of the season's Grands Prix, with a standout sixth-place finish in Montreal.
Colapinto's journey to Alpine began in 2025 after he filled in for Logan Sargeant at Williams. His impressive stint there opened the door to a reserve role with Alpine, and he soon found himself stepping into Jack Doohan's shoes. This year, he secured a full-time seat, edging out Paul Aron for the position.
Initially, Colapinto struggled to find his footing, prompting Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore to express concerns about the young driver's direction. However, as the season progressed, Colapinto evolved, displaying a newfound maturity that impressed Briatore and the team. His improved performance, coupled with a solid working relationship with teammate Pierre Gasly, has been instrumental in Alpine's competitive push, currently placing them sixth in the Teams' Championship.
While Alpine naturally explored their options, Colapinto's on-track progress and off-track contributions, such as his appeal to South American sponsors and fans, made a strong case for his retention. His ability to work harmoniously with Gasly is an added bonus, fostering a positive team environment.
The announcement of his contract extension came just in time for Colapinto to focus on helping Alpine achieve their goal of fifth place in the championship, without the distraction of contract uncertainties. With a rebranding to Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team on the horizon for 2027, maintaining a stable driver lineup is key as they strive to close the gap to the frontrunners.
Despite murmurs of a potential return to Williams, where he first broke into F1, the British team's decision to stick with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon made Alpine the obvious choice for Colapinto. His contentment with the team and resilience in overcoming a scoreless 2025 season have set him up well to continue his upward trajectory.
Alpine's faith in Colapinto reflects their long-term strategy of rebuilding and improving their cars' competitiveness. With the Argentine now secure for another year, both team and driver can focus on further development and success.