Martin Brundle instantly reacts to Alpine keeping Franco Colapinto for 2026

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Franco Colapinto will continue at Alpine for 2026, the team confirmed on Friday. It’s set to be his first full season on the F1 grid.

Colapinto made his F1 debut at the end of summer 2024, replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams. He knew that would only be a temporary arrangement after the signing of Carlos Sainz.

The Argentine joined Alpine as a reserve driver over the winter in the hope of unseating Jack Doohan. Sure enough, Doohan only lasted six races before Flavio Briatore made the swap.

While Colapinto has failed to score points, just like his predecessor, Alpine are encouraged by the improvement he’s shown in recent races relative to teammate Pierre Gasly. Gasly signed a contract extension until the end of 2028 earlier this year.

Martin Brundle says Franco Colapinto still needs to ‘prove himself’

Speaking ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix practice on Sky Sports, F1 pundit Martin Brundle gave his instant reaction to the news. He says Colapinto must ‘get his head down’ in what will be his first pre-season as a full-time driver.

Colapinto attracts an ‘ocean of fans’ to Brazil, so this is the perfect time for Alpine to make the announcement.

“This is his chance, isn’t it?” said Brundle. “He can get his head down, stop thinking about that and prove himself. Every time I see him, I think of Ayrton Senna – just the way he looks – but he’s got a long way to go to emulate that great man.”

• READ MORE: Alpine confirm that Franco Colapinto will stay with the team for the 2026 F1 season

Brundle’s colleague Jamie Chadwick wants to see more ‘flashes’ of Colapinto’s ‘raw speed’, suggesting he’s been less ‘exciting’ than he was last year. Alpine are almost certain to finish bottom of the standings.

“It felt like he was at massive risk, and then suddenly he’s re-signed. I think his form recently has improved. When he came into Formula 1, he was so exciting, he had so much raw speed.

“Now, this year, we haven’t really seen that. I know it’s really challenging in that car, but I would like to see him show those flashes again and show what he can do.”

What happens to Jack Doohan after Franco Colapinto extension?

Alpine had indicated that they were choosing between Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron for the seat alongside Gasly. It was made clear to Doohan that he wouldn’t be returning.

Doohan has had to fund his own testing programme this year, a sign that he’s become increasingly disconnected from the team.

Reports suggest Doohan is in talks with Haas over a reserve driver role. Williams, Cadillac and Sauber are also options.

He could combine a position at one of those teams with a seat in another racing series. The Japanese Super Formula championship is one possibility.