P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine has denied that Franco Colapinto was retained for the 2026 F1 season due to the sponsorship revenue that his presence brings to the team.
Alpine has denied that Franco Colapinto was retained for the 2026 Formula 1 season due to sponsorship revenue.
Colapinto joined Alpine mid-season as Jack Doohan’s replacement and initially struggled alongside Pierre Gasly.
However, Colapinto has improved and will stay with the team next season.
Alpine’s Managing Director, Steve Nielsen, emphasized Colapinto’s progress and how he closed the gap to Gasly.
Alpine’s selection process involved considering various potential drivers, culminating in choosing Colapinto based on his talent.
The team believes Colapinto’s skills and development make him the right partner for Gasly in the upcoming season as they aim to improve their performance.
