For Alpine it is a dream to return to the top of F1 and 2026 is marked on its roadmap. The new regulations invite optimism from all the teams, but the French brand is confident that it can take a step forward, and to do so it has full confidence that Franco Colapinto can be the piece that turns the team’s options around. In this sense, Flavio Briatore is a fundamental piece in the realization of the project.
Colapinto, Alpine’s bet
The arrival of the new regulations and the agreement with Mercedes Benz to provide engines (they will stop producing their own next year) are key aspects for the team and its aspirations for next year. Flavio Briatore is at the helm of the new project, and one of his bets is Franco Colapinto.
Flavio Briatore has been Colapinto’s great champion: “Franco is a driver with hunger, determination and talent. Just what we need to build a winning team in 2026,” the Italian said in a recent interview. Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine strengthens the team’s line-up and represents a commitment to young talent and the development of a long-term project in this new era of F1.
Alpine’s plan
The team hopes that the introduction of the Mercedes engine will mark a turning point in the project. Alpine has suffered in recent seasons with its power unit and has been relegated to the middle of the pack with no chance of being in the top positions. With the German brand’s engines, the team is looking to make a big leap in quality in terms of performance and reliability.
On the other hand, the team has opted for a change of personnel within the structure of the team. Briatore has taken it upon himself to bring in renowned engineers, ensuring that Alpine has the tools and knowledge to fight with the best.
With regard to the sporting strategy, the group plans to focus its progress on aerodynamics and energy management, two of the key points in the new regulations. “We know we can’t afford any mistakes in the run-up to 2026. We are going to work in all areas from now on to make sure we are ready,” said Briatore.
Colapinto and Gasly
Once Pierre Gasly is confirmed as the main piece of the team, as he brings experience and seniority, Alpine is betting on combining him with young talent, as is the case with Colapinto in the other car. In this sense, the French driver admits what the team’s ambitions are for next season.
“We could fight for the World Championship in 2026 if we take the right steps,” the French driver said on the official F1 podcast, ‘Beyond The Grid’.
The arrival of Colapinto could be an extra boost for Alpine. His ability in races and his expected rapid adaptation (he already demonstrated this last season with Williams, competing only for the second half of the season), make him a candidate to challenge the big teams. With a renewed structure, a competitive power unit and a balanced driver pairing, Alpine can cause a stir in 2026.
The challenge will not be easy, that much is clear. Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari seem set to remain the top rivals. However, if Briatore’s proposed strategy is successful, we could be witnessing the resurgence of a historic team, and the rise of Colapinto as one of the biggest names in what will be the next few years of F1.