Franco Colapinto is an Argentine Formula 1 driver who races for Alpine. In 2026, he starts his first full season in Formula 1, alongside Pierre Gasly.

Colapinto was born on May 27, 2003 in Pilar, Buenos Aires, and started karting at the age of nine. He quickly made an impression in Argentina, winning national titles in 2016 and 2018. His international breakthrough came with a gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

He made his single-seater debut in Spanish Formula 4 in 2018 and won immediately. In 2019, he dominated the championship with 11 wins and secured the title, attracting support from Fernando Alonso.

After F4, he competed in the Toyota Racing Series, Formula Renault Eurocup and both the European and Asian Le Mans Series. In 2022, he moved to FIA Formula 3 with Van Amersfoort Racing, taking pole position on debut and winning two races. Later that season, he switched to MP Motorsport.

At the end of 2023, he stepped up to Formula 2 with MP Motorsport and joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He made his Formula 1 debut during FP1 at the 2024 British Grand Prix, having already taken part in the 2023 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in 2024, Williams replaced Logan Sargeant with Colapinto after multiple crashes. He completed the season with the team, scoring points but also suffering several costly incidents.

In 2026, Colapinto begins his first full Formula 1 season with Alpine. In previous years, he entered the grid mid-season as a replacement driver.

Alpine had already shifted much of its focus to the 2026 car during the previous season. The team now runs Mercedes power units, following Renault’s exit as an engine supplier.

The new regulations introduce major changes. Cars become smaller and lighter, DRS is removed and replaced by active aerodynamics. Drivers can adjust wing settings on straights, while electrical power plays a much larger role in the power unit.

Colapinto started the 2025 season as Alpine’s reserve driver after leaving Williams. The move was made to increase his chances of securing a full-time seat, with Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz already confirmed at Williams.

After six race weekends, he replaced Jack Doohan, who struggled with performance and crashes. Colapinto made his debut for Alpine in Imola.

He faced a difficult car throughout the season. While Gasly managed to score points, Colapinto did not. However, he performed more consistently than Doohan and finished the season in twentieth place in the standings.

Colapinto has been promoted mid-season twice. In 2024, he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams. In 2025, he took over from Jack Doohan at Alpine.

In 2026, he starts a season as a full-time Formula 1 driver for the first time.

Colapinto is expected to earn between €1.2 and €1.7 million in 2026. His net worth is estimated at around €4.2 million.