Franco Colapinto explains his stance on racing for Alpine in 2026 amid Formula 1 exit rumours

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Franco Colapinto is facing immense pressure to stay on the Formula 1 grid in 2026 after a dismal season with Alpine this year.

The Argentine replaced Jack Doohan after six races as the Aussie failed to score a point in that time. Colapinto came into the team with high hopes after impressing at Williams, despite a plethora of crashes.

However, the 21-year-old has fared no better than his predecessor as he comes into the Dutch Grand Prix having not scored a point for Alpine. Numerous mistakes and an alarming pace deficit to teammate Pierre Gasly have left the team bottom of the constructors’ championship.

Gasly ‘would be worried’ if Alpine do not improve their championship position, having scored every point for the team thus far. Flavio Briatore has started mounting pressure on Colapinto as he considers his options for 2026.

Colapinto’s huge sponsorship package from Argentina is said to be the only thing keeping him on the grid in 2025. But if his results do not improve, he could find himself out by next year.

Franco Colapinto says he is fully focused on developing Alpine’s 2026 car amid exit rumours

Reports have even suggested that Paul Aron could replace Colapinto before 2026 and compete in the final few races of the season. The Estonian is next in line for a seat at Alpine after Doohan’s demotion.

Colapinto’s camp are already looking at IndyCar and WEC as possible options for 2026. As he faces the prospect of leaving F1, he addressed his future at Alpine to the media at Zandvoort.

Asked about his future, he said via Grada3: “I don’t know, I think it’s very similar to last year. When I came in, I just wanted to drive and win a race.

“And I’m the same, very happy to be here and to work with the team. Working hard to bring Alpine what they need and what they deserve.  We’re working hard to get back to the top.  That’s where we should be. We’re also very focused on development for next year.”

Talking about the second half of the season, he added: “It’s going to be a little easier to get into these races knowing the tracks. Last year was a bit of a shock.

“Going into Baku with no preparation and going into Singapore with no preparation either. Going into all these new races, the Austin race, without knowing the tracks or the car.  I felt very fast.  

“This year I’m lacking that a bit, but I hope that going into the races I did last year will give me confidence with the car and I hope it gives me what I’m lacking a bit this year. 

“The last few have been better in terms of performance, at least compared to Pierre. We need to keep working to find more speed out of the car.” 

READ MORE: Who is Alpine 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto? Everything you need to know

Who is in the running to replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine in 2026?

The Argentine will need to find results quickly if he is to stay in F1 in 2026. Despite his huge commercial value and sponsorship, Colapinto’s future in F1 is in serious trouble.

As aforementioned, Aron could be the next driver to step into Alpine. He has conducted numerous TPC tests in 2025 and has been patiently waiting for a chance in F1 after a strong season in Formula 2 last year.

Alpine were interested in Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, but they have since signed for Cadillac. It has left Briatore exploring other options for 2026.

Reportedly, Briatore is ‘genuinely interested’ in Alex Palou amid rumours that Red Bull are targeting him for 2026. The IndyCar star has been linked with an F1 seat for the past few years, but has never been afforded an opportunity.