Franco Colapinto is set to join the Alpine F1 Team in the 2026 season, as the team's executive advisor Flavio Briatore looks to bring in young talent.
The Argentine driver has impressed with his performances alongside Alex Albon at Williams in 2024.
What happened?
Alpine's interest in Colapinto is part of a larger trend in Formula 1 to focus on nurturing young drivers.
The team currently has Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan in their 2025 lineup, with Esteban Ocon moving to Haas.
Why it matters for Franco Colapinto
Briatore's history of signing top talents, including Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, makes this a significant opportunity for Colapinto.
Colapinto's name has been mentioned often in speculation about further changes to the team's lineup.
What comes next?
The 2026 season is expected to see significant changes in the Formula 1 landscape, with a global shift towards a more youthful lineup.
Briatore has stated that he is interested in any driver who is fast, and Colapinto's performances have caught his eye.
As of 2024, Colapinto has been driving for Williams alongside Alex Albon, and his contract with the team is set to expire.
The Alpine F1 Team is looking to revamp its driver academy to focus on a select group of talented young drivers.
Briatore has said that the team wants to concentrate on the good guys in their academy and stop using a watering can approach.
This approach may lead to huge impacts on Formula 1 as a whole, with young drivers being hungrier and more motivated than their more experienced counterparts.
Briatore said that young drivers are hungrier than someone who has a wife and two children and 30 or 40 million in the bank.
The 2025 Formula One Season Schedule has been released, with pre-season testing set to take place in Bahrain from February 26-28.
The first race of the season will be the Australian Grand Prix, taking place from March 14-16.
Colapinto's potential move to Alpine F1 Team is expected to be a significant factor in the 2026 season.
The team's focus on nurturing young talent is seen as a key part of their strategy for long-term success.
Briatore's leadership is keen on ensuring long-term commitment from drivers, which played a role in Carlos Sainz's departure from the team.
The Alpine F1 Team is looking to build a strong foundation by incorporating young, talented drivers like Colapinto.