Franco Colapinto will get the chance to complete his first full season in Formula 1 next year after securing his future at Alpine.

The team confirmed today he will remain Pierre Gasly’s team mate for the 2026 season.

“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,” said Alpine’s executive consultant Flavio Briatore.

It will be the first time Colapinto has started an F1 season. He joined the last two campaigns after they started as replacements for other drivers.

Colapinto made his F1 debut when he started the last nine races of 2024 for Williams as a replacement for Logan Sargeant. He finished in the points twice but there was no possibility for him to continue at the team as it had already confirmed its driver line-up for this year.

However Colapinto attracted the attention of Alpine, which initially hired him as a reserve driver. He was promoted to the race team in place of Jack Doohan at the seventh round in Imola.

Alpine originally indicated Colapinto had the seat on a trial basis, though he has remained their ever since. Paul Aron, another of the team’s reserve drivers, was also considered as an option for next year, but the team has now confirmed Colapinto will remain in the seat.

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“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,” said Colapinto. “It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for 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.”

View the current list of 2026 F1 drivers and teams

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