P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine has picked Franco Colapinto to partner Pierre Gasly for the 2026 F1 season – but has it made the right call?
Alpine has chosen Franco Colapinto to join Pierre Gasly for the 2026 Formula 1 season, deciding to stick with their current driver lineup rather than making another change.
Colapinto encountered difficulties initially after replacing Jack Doohan mid-season, but his performance has since improved, leading to him securing a seat for 2026 and fending off competitor Paul Aron.
Opinions on whether Alpine made the right choice vary among analysts, with some pointing out that Colapinto is not the team’s main issue and has shown improvement since the summer break.
With potential for a Mercedes engine boost in 2026, there is high anticipation for Colapinto’s performance under the new regulations, especially considering his ability to challenge Gasly on track.
The decision to retain Colapinto may be influenced by his sponsorship appeal and the steady progress he has made alongside Gasly, suggesting a continued partnership that makes sense both commercially and competitively.
