The Argentine came close to scoring his first points in Zandvoort and is set to continue in 2026, although his continuity will depend on his performance
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Franco Colapinto achieved his best result so far this year at theDutch Grand Prix. The Argentine Alpine driver finished 11th, coming just half a second short of scoring his first point in Formula 1. During the race, he authoritatively overtook Pierre Gasly, his teammate, and the Frenchman was even singled out for having hindered an overtaking maneuver that could have given Colapinto his first points.
The performance came amid a tense atmosphere within Alpine, marked by statements from Flavio Briatore, the team's advisor. The Italian had questioned the decision to promote the former Williams driver so soon and speculated about his future, although after what happened in Zandvoort, he changed his tone and ended up praising the young Argentine's performance.
In this context, Spanish journalist Jorge Peiró, accredited in the paddock and a contributor at Grada3, stated that Colapinto is the main candidate to occupy Alpine's seat in 2026 as well. "In fact, to go further, he has already tested next year's car in the simulator, just like his teammate Gasly," he revealed.
Gasly y Colapinto ya probaron los monoplazas de 2026
However, Peiró warned that the future is not set: "If he accumulates some weak performances (including accidents), his chances of taking the seat alongside Gasly would decrease. If he continues like this, overcoming mechanical problems and staying close to his teammate and even outperforming him over three weekends, Alpine would keep its driver pairing in order to build stability ahead of a season in which they will improve."
The French team's main goal is set for 2025, a year in which they will seek to enter the top 5 in the Constructors' Championship thanks to a key improvement: they will stop using Renault engines and will instead have Mercedes power units.
Alpine cambiará de motores para la próxima temporada
Ultimately, the word that defines Colapinto's present is patience. "There are signs pointing to his continuity in 2026, but nothing is set yet. There is still a long way to go, nine races to be precise. The pressure is mounting for the Argentine to stay, and weekends like Zandvoort support him," Peiró concluded in his report.
The next race
After the European summer break, Formula 1 resumes action without pause. From September 5 to 7, the Italian Grand Prix will take place at the historic Monza circuit, where Colapinto and Gasly will seek to change Alpine's fortunes and score valuable points for both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
