Alpine Sets Franco Colapinto Condition for F1 2027 Seat

Franco Colapinto still needs to prove he deserves to remain with Alpine for the 2027 Formula 1 season, although the French squad believes his performances this year have shown a significant step forward.

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has issued an update on Colapinto's position, with the Argentinian currently without a contract for next season. That makes the remainder of 2026 a crucial period for him to secure his future at Enstone.

Colapinto initially joined Alpine last season and contested the final 18 rounds of the 2025 campaign after replacing Jack Doohan. His first spell with the team was difficult, marked by costly mistakes and a consistent pace deficit to team-mate Pierre Gasly.

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Despite failing to fully convince in his first season, Alpine still handed Colapinto a full-time seat for 2026. That decision has so far started to pay off, with Colapinto becoming more stable, scoring points regularly and at times matching or beating Gasly.

Across the nine completed races this season, Colapinto has finished in the points five times. His best result remains sixth place in Montreal, underlining the progress in his race consistency and ability to stay competitive in direct fights.

“Well, everybody wants more. I think Franco is a driver that has been a slow starter, dare I say it. He’s getting better,” Nielsen said.

“He’s produced some good runs this year already. Miami was good. China was good. He’s improving. So I think he’s there on merit and when the time comes, we’ll make the decisions. If he’s good enough, he’ll stay, and if he’s not, then there’s a better option. That’s just Formula 1.”

Nielsen also suggested Alpine's car last year made Colapinto's level difficult to assess accurately. The weak 2025 package complicated his adaptation, while the new power unit regulations this season appear to suit his driving style more effectively.

“I think his consistency, particularly in races, is a lot better than it was and his ability to hang on to Pierre,” Nielsen added.

“He did a little bit of that last year but our car last year was so bad it was difficult to separate wheat from the chaff. But I think this year there’s been a few times where he’s been a match for Pierre and that’s good to see.”

Alpine's decision on Colapinto's 2027 seat will now depend on whether he can maintain his points-scoring trend and continue operating close to Gasly across the next phase of the season.