Alpine F1 warns Franco Colapinto over 2026 contract as performance lags

Alpine F1 team signaled serious doubts about Argentine driver Franco Colapinto's future as his contract expires at the end of 2026. The driver, who joined Alpine mid‑season in 2025, sits 13th in the championship with 13 points, far behind teammate Pierre Gasly, who is ninth with 42 points.

Team principal Steve Nielsen addressed the issue during the British Grand Prix, stating, "Creo que Franco es un piloto que ha tenido un comienzo lento… está mejorando, sí, ya ha tenido buenas actuaciones este curso. Pero si no es suficientemente bueno, habrá una mejor opción." Nielsen acknowledged recent improvements in Colapinto's race regularity but said the progress is not yet enough for the French squad to commit to retaining him for 2027.