Colapinto out? Alpine opens up on decision – Alpine’s leadership has made it clear that the team’s 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up is still to be decided, leaving the future of Franco Colapinto, their promising Argentinian rookie, in the balance. CEO Steve Nielsen has stated that Alpine is ‘still a few races away’ from confirming Pierre Gasly’s teammate and whether Colapinto will keep his seat or make way for one of the team’s other protégés.

A period of evaluation lies ahead, and while Colapinto’s recent performances have impressed, the underlying message from Enstone is one of cautious patience.

 

Colapinto’s rise and the question of consistency

Franco Colapinto’s rookie season began with the sort of struggle one would expect from a Formula 2 graduate stepping into the complex world of Formula 1. However, as the year has progressed, he has shown flashes of true ability, particularly in qualifying. In the last four races, he has outqualified Pierre Gasly three times, no mean feat against an experienced and Grand Prix winning driver who recently secured a long-term contract with the team.

Nielsen acknowledged this improvement, noting that Colapinto’s adjustment to F1 has followed a familiar trajectory.

“It’s always difficult for new drivers to get started. We’ve seen many from Formula 2 experience ups and downs,” he said.

“Franco had a difficult start, but things have stabilised in the last few races. He has beaten Pierre in two or three races. At the moment, he’s performing equally well, which is good. But we don’t know if this trend will continue. We hope so.”

This statement encapsulates the cautious optimism at Alpine: “We don’t know if this trend will continue.”

While Colapinto’s raw pace and racecraft have shown promise, the team wants to see sustained improvement before committing to a long-term contract. They are waiting to see whether this form can be sustained over the remainder of the season before making any final decisions.

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Internal contenders and future strategy

Alpine’s long-term direction under Nielsen seems clear: the team intends to prioritise its internal driver pool rather than chasing high-profile free agents. The shortlist for 2026 includes Colapinto, his predecessor Jack Doohan and reserve driver Paul Aron, both of whom are still part of Alpine’s junior development programme.

Although Doohan’s return to racing seems unlikely at present, Nielsen confirmed that the Australian remains “part of our programme” and did not rule out the possibility entirely.

“I wouldn’t say if or when he will race again,” he added, implying that circumstances could change depending on performance, sponsorship alignment and how the 2026 driver market unfolds. Meanwhile, Aron continues to gain experience in Formula 2, and could be considered as a future option depending on his progress.

This approach suggests that Alpine is rebuilding its entire culture around internal development and evaluation, not just its driver roster. The team would prefer a strong foundation of drivers that they know and can mould, rather than relying on costly external recruitment.

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Nielsen’s return brings a new perspective to Enstone

Steve Nielsen’s arrival as Alpine’s new CEO marks a homecoming of sorts. Having previously worked with the Enstone outfit during the Benetton and Renault eras, he describes his return as “like visiting my old school”. His deep familiarity with the team’s DNA gives him a unique vantage point as he attempts to steer Alpine out of its current underperformance.

He spent much of the last decade in F1 management, first as Toro Rosso’s sporting director, then at Formula One Management (FOM) and later with the FIA. This external experience means he understands the regulatory and political frameworks that define modern Formula 1. This perspective could help Alpine adapt strategically in the cost-capped era.

“When you return to an old school, a lot of things are familiar, but some are smaller than you remember. Others are new,” he said.

“I was given a very warm welcome. There are many familiar faces, but also many new ones. I haven’t been part of a team for eight years, so I have to get back into it. A lot has changed — for example, the budget limit, which didn’t exist back then.”

This observation reflects a wider truth about Formula 1’s transformation since Nielsen last played an active role in a team. The sport now demands ruthless efficiency, strict financial discipline and long-term strategic consistency. For a team like Alpine, which has historically been capable but inconsistent, Nielsen’s steady, analytical approach could be exactly what is needed to unlock its latent potential.

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The talent at Enstone

Despite Alpine’s struggles on the track in recent seasons, Nielsen is notably optimistic about the human capital within the organisation.

“It’s a great place with a lot of talent. What we’re currently showing on the track doesn’t reflect the skill and potential we have here. Our job is to change that,” he said.

This sentiment will be familiar to long-time fans of the Enstone team. Since the Renault rebranding in 2016 and the subsequent rebranding to Alpine, the team has produced flashes of competitiveness, but has rarely sustained them across a full season. Moments of brilliance, such as Esteban Ocon’s win in Hungary in 2021, have been overshadowed by inconsistency, technical issues and changes in leadership.

Rather than overhauling the workforce, Nielsen appears intent on addressing that inconsistency by restoring confidence and structure. His leadership style emphasises accountability and communication, qualities that could help bridge the gap between Enstone’s technical talent and its on-track performance.

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It is a new era, but patience is required

The uncertainty surrounding Colapinto’s future reflects the broader theme of Alpine’s current phase: a transitional period characterised by evaluation, reflection and strategic recalibration. Under Nielsen, the team is clearly focused on developing talent from within and making decisions based on long-term sustainability rather than short-term reactions.

If Colapinto can continue to match or beat Gasly in qualifying and improve his consistency in races, he may well secure a second season — but the team’s caution suggests that nothing is guaranteed. Nielsen’s “few races away” comment suggests that Alpine will use the rest of the current season as an extended trial period, comparing Colapinto’s progress with internal targets and external expectations.

Meanwhile, Doohan and Aron will remain part of the equation.

Consequently, the jury is still out on whether the young Argentine’s recent surge is the beginning of something lasting or merely a fleeting glimpse of potential. For Alpine, the next few races will decide not just a driver’s future, but also define the team’s new era.

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MORE F1 NEWS – Leclerc v Norris: Stewards find Ferrari guilty

The FIA stewards found Ferrari guilty of an unsafe release during the second free practice session for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. Following an incident involving Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris, the Italian team received a fine of 10,000 euros.

The situation unfolded when Ferrari instructed Leclerc to exit the garage and enter the fast lane of the pit lane. However, Norris was already in the lane. The two cars made contact, forcing Norris into the pit wall and damaging his front wing.

In their official statement, the stewards outlined the reasoning behind their decision. They noted that Leclerc was instructed to leave the garage without being fully aware of Norris’s presence. According to the report, the Ferrari crew member responsible for signalling to Leclerc misjudged the situation and provided unclear instructions.

The statement further clarified that Leclerc could not see Norris, which led directly to the collision. Fines for such cases normally stand at 5,000 euros. However, in this instance, the stewards decided to double the penalty.

They explained that this was based on precedent, citing several earlier cases where unsafe releases had been treated more leniently. They concluded that a stronger response was necessary to emphasise the seriousness of the offence.

This decision was made in accordance with Article 34.14 a) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which states the following: ‘Cars may not be released from the garage or the pit stop position in such a way as to endanger personnel in the pit lane or another driver, or damage another car.’ READ MORE ON THIS STORY