Alpine's 2026 Lineup: Briatore's Bold Move with Franco Colapinto
Flavio Briatore, the seasoned Alpine Executive Advisor, has made a surprising decision regarding the team's 2026 driver lineup. But here's where it gets controversial: he's sticking with Franco Colapinto, despite a rocky start. Briatore believes Colapinto has earned his place, but is this a risky move?
Colapinto, who joined Alpine as a reserve driver from Williams earlier this year, initially struggled to impress. Briatore himself admitted that Colapinto's performance wasn't up to par, suggesting he might not have been ready for Formula 1. However, the young driver's form improved significantly, matching his teammate Pierre Gasly in qualifying and showing competitive pace in recent races.
The challenge for Colapinto is the team's underperforming car, which has struggled to keep up with the competition. Briatore acknowledges the pressure on young drivers in Formula 1, stating, "It's difficult to drive." But he also highlights Colapinto's growth, saying, "He's much more secure... He's done everything to be performing." This transformation has convinced Briatore to keep Colapinto on board.
Briatore's faith in Colapinto is evident, but it's a bold move given the team's recent struggles. Alpine's poor performance this year has made it a less desirable option for drivers. With limited choices, they secured Gasly on a long-term deal and focused on the second seat. Colapinto's financial backing and improved form sealed the deal, despite competition from reserve driver Paul Aron.
"We didn't see anything much better than what Franco is bringing to the team," Briatore stated. But is this a case of settling for the familiar? Alpine aims for stability with their driver lineup, but is it enough to turn their fortunes around? Briatore promises a better car for next season, targeting a top-six finish in the Teams' Championship.
The team has endured significant changes, including the departure of Esteban Ocon and management reshuffles. Briatore's return to Enstone signals a new era, with a focus on stability and a strong driver pairing. But will this strategy pay off? Only time will tell if Colapinto can live up to Briatore's expectations and help Alpine climb the ranks in 2026.
What do you think about Alpine's decision to retain Colapinto? Is it a wise move or a missed opportunity for the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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