Franco Colapinto has made significant strides in 2026, with a breakthrough sixth-place finish in Canada and several top-10 results.
What happened?
Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore has openly praised Colapinto's development, suggesting the team could look to retain its current driver pairing beyond next season.
Briatore revealed that Colapinto is integrating much better into the team, improving mentally, technically, and in his relationship with the team.
Why it matters for Franco Colapinto
The Argentine's progress extends well beyond what is visible on track, with Briatore emphasizing the importance of helping Colapinto settle into Formula 1.
Colapinto has contributed 16 points to Alpine's total, while teammate Pierre Gasly's consistency and experience continue to provide a benchmark for the team's technical development.
What comes next?
Briatore's comments suggest Alpine could be leaning toward continuity rather than entering another round of driver market upheaval, particularly if Colapinto's upward trajectory continues through the remainder of the season.
The team's resurgence this season has provided further encouragement, with Alpine establishing itself as the leading midfield force after seven rounds.
Colapinto's future with Alpine looks promising, with the team's efforts to help him settle into Formula 1 bearing fruit.
Briatore believes Colapinto's confidence is now beginning to emerge, and the Italian is impressed with the young driver's talent.
The Colapinto-Gasly pairing has created a stable environment at Alpine, which appears increasingly valuable to Briatore as he considers the team's plans for 2027.
Alpine's decision on its driver lineup for 2027 will be made before the summer break, with Briatore emphasizing the importance of consistency and technical development.
Colapinto's performance will be crucial in determining Alpine's plans, and the Argentine will look to continue his impressive form in the upcoming races.
The 23-year-old has come a long way since his challenging introduction to Formula 1, and his progress has strengthened confidence within the French outfit that it may have found a cornerstone for the future.