Nielsen: timeline and direction for the second seat
Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen says the team is 'a few races away' from deciding its 2026 driver line-up, as it assesses internal options to partner Pierre Gasly. A longer-term extension has already secured Gasly’s place, while the team weighs whether to retain Franco Colapinto for next year as part of its planning horizon.
Colapinto’s audition gathers momentum
Colapinto has strengthened his credentials with eye‑catching Saturdays, outqualifying Gasly in three of the last four events. The team’s evaluation is ongoing, with the Argentine’s form adding meaningful data points as Alpine shapes its future pairing ahead of new technical regulations.
Decision factors
- Qualifying performance and adaptability under pressure.
- Continuity alongside Gasly within Alpine’s development trajectory.
- Long-term fit for 2026 and beyond as the team targets an upward swing.
With several rounds still to run before a call is made, Alpine appears intent on letting the on‑track evidence accumulate — and Colapinto is doing his best to keep himself firmly in the frame.
