Alright, F1 fans, buckle up! The buzz is getting louder around the paddock as Alpine gears up to announce its final driver for the F1 2026 season. With the grid slowly taking shape for the next year’s sprint, all eyes are now locked on the French outfit based in Enstone. The team is about to make a call that will shape their future. So, who’s it going to be? Let’s find out the story behind the scenes and why this decision is a big deal.
Who Is The First Confirmed Driver For Alpine?
First off, Pierre Gasly is already locked and loaded for 2026, having extended his contract until at least 2028. He’s been the bright spark in an otherwise tough 2025 campaign for Alpine, showing flashes of brilliance more than once. But the real mystery has been around who’ll partner him alongside the pit wall next year. So, let’s find out.
France Colapinto As The Top Contender For The Final Seat At Alpine
Enter Franco Colapinto, the young Argentine who took over Jack Doohan’s seat just six races into this season after Doohan struggled to make an impact. Now, Colapinto’s season has been a rollercoaster, mostly because Alpine hasn’t given him the best car to work with. The A525 has been notoriously off the pace this year, with even Gasly finding it a challenge.
Despite no points so far after 14 races, Colapinto’s recent performances, especially in qualifying, have picked up serious steam. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s veteran advisor, reportedly praised Colapinto’s progress, saying he’s been matching Gasly’s pace in the past four races. That’s a major vote of confidence coming from a man known for his sharp eye.
There are whispers that Alpine’s management had a tough time choosing because reserve driver Paul Aron was also in the mix. However, insiders say the squad has decided to ride the wave with Colapinto, banking on his growth and experience gained this year. Don’t let the drama fool you, though. There was some eyebrow-raising controversy, like when Colapinto defied team orders at the US Grand Prix, causing some raised voices in the garage. But even that didn’t derail his chances.
Why Does This Matter?
Because Alpine is shifting gears in a huge way, literally. In 2026, they’re switching to Mercedes power units, and while 2025 has been rough with the current setup, there’s genuine optimism that the new partnership will ignite better results. Colapinto’s already driven a Mercedes-powered car when he raced for Williams in 2024, which could give him an edge when Alpine’s new beast hits the track.
Expect the official announcement to come around the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, just days away from Colapinto’s home country, Argentina, a fitting place to unveil the final lineup. Last year’s race in Brazil had fans in full party mode with incredible support, so it’s a perfect stage for Alpine’s big reveal.
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