Franco Colapinto looks set to remain with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with confirmation expected soon. The 21-year-old Argentinian joined the team earlier this year, replacing Jack Doohan mid-season, and after a difficult start, his performances have improved notably since the summer break.

Although Alpine has endured another turbulent year both on and off the track, Colapinto’s progress, and his strong backing from South American sponsors, now make him the favourite to stay alongside Pierre Gasly when the team enters its new era as a Mercedes engine customer in 2026.

But how good a move is this really for Alpine? Here are the key pros and cons behind keeping Colapinto.

The Pros

Strong financial backing and regional appeal

Colapinto brings major commercial benefits. His association with Latin American sponsors, including Alpine partner Mercado Libre, guarantees the team several tens of millions of dollars in backing. Combined with his growing popularity across South America, he helps Alpine (and Renault) strengthen its global reach and fan engagement in a key market.

Improved form after the summer break

Since August, Colapinto has shown steady progress. He has been much closer to Pierre Gasly in both qualifying and race pace, even matching him in several rounds. For a rookie who entered F1 under intense pressure, this trend suggests a clear upward trajectory and better adaptation to the car and team.

No clear alternative available

With Alpine currently positioned near the back of the grid, there are few realistic alternatives that would represent a clear performance upgrade. Paul Aron has impressed during his free practice outings, but he lacks Colapinto’s Formula 1 race experience. In this context, retaining Colapinto appears to be a pragmatic decision that provides stability and helps the team avoid unnecessary risks ahead of the major technical regulation changes coming in 2026.

The Cons

Lack of standout results

Despite visible progress, Colapinto is yet to score a single point. While Alpine’s car is uncompetitive, the absence of any breakthrough result makes it difficult to judge his ultimate potential. A “solid rookie” is not necessarily what Alpine needs to climb back up the order.

High error rate under pressure

Colapinto’s tendency to push beyond the limit has been a recurring issue. Last season, while driving for Williams, he crashed several times under pressure, and the pattern has continued this year: notably in Imola, where he made his Alpine debut. These moments highlight that, although his speed is evident, his racecraft and composure still need refinement before he can be considered a fully reliable option.

Risk of stagnation for both sides

Keeping Colapinto might bring short-term stability, but it also underlines Alpine’s limited ambition. Without a proven race-winner or top-tier prospect in the second seat, the team risks falling into the same pattern of underachievement it has suffered in recent years.

The Verdict

For Alpine, renewing Colapinto’s deal seems to be driven more by stability and sponsorship than pure performance. He matches the team’s current priorities: reliable, marketable and showing steady progress, even if he is not yet ready to lead a full midfield resurgence. If his development continues and he avoids further errors, this choice could turn out to be a sensible one. For now, it feels like a measured step rather than a major leap forward.