Alpine insider admits Franco Colapinto is ‘not on the same level’ as Pierre Gasly

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Franco Colapinto is under pressure at Alpine as his performance level has been questioned ahead of 2026.

After finishing last in the constructors’ standings in 2025, Alpine have high hopes heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season with their development focused on this year.

Alpine did not develop its car during the 2025 season, which led to Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto ending the year in 18th and 20th places in the drivers’ standings.

However, with the Mercedes engine in their car and their development focused on the 2026 season, there are no more excuses for Alpine and their drivers.

What do you expect from Franco Colapinto in the 2026 F1 season?

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Alpine insiders apply pressure on Franco Colapinto ahead of 2026

In the F1: Chequered Flag Australian Grand Prix Preview, Andrew Benson revealed what he had been told by an Alpine insider regarding Colapinto.

After failing to score a point in 2025, pressure continues to mount on Colapinto as the staff at Alpine are beginning to doubt the Argentinian when compared to his experienced teammate.

Benson said, “I think Alpine and Haas are competing to be the next best after the top four, basically, that is the way it looks. Well, let me rephrase that, Gasly and Haas are competing to be the best of the rest after the top four.

“I am not going to tell you who I am quoting, but I am quoting someone from within Alpine. Franco Colapinto, his teammate, does not appear to be on the same level as Pierre Gasly.

“They have made a decent step forward; some of that will have been the engine, as they were being held back by the Renault engine last year. Also, they more or less had not developed the car for the last few years, like Williams, they have put a lot of effort into this year, hoping the regulation changes would allow them to move up the field.

“It looks like it has allowed them to do that, but can they hang onto it is the big question.”

Who should Alpine replace Franco Colapinto with if he fails to live up to expectations this season?

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Franco Colapinto is on par with Pierre Gasly in Melbourne

Despite the worries heading into the opening round of the season in Melbourne, Colapinto showed in the Friday practice sessions that he is on par with his teammate.

In the first practice session, Colapinto was the top Alpine driver as he finished in 16th place, and was 0.71 seconds ahead of Gasly around Albert Park.

However, in the second practice session, Gasly responded and became the top Alpine driver as he finished in 16th, with Colapinto a further 0.452 seconds behind him in 18th place.

With hopes of an outside chance of a podium at the Australian Grand Prix during pre-season, Alpine will likely be hoping for points after the two practice sessions on Friday.