Alpine looking for Gasly's teammate: They seem to be the three candidates

15:03, 15 Sep

Updated: 15:14, 15 Sep

byLudo van Denderen

Pierre Gasly is the only driver secured by Apine for 2026. Who will join the Frenchman at the Enstone-based outfit, though, remains unclear. Nevertheless, the number of candidates is small, despite the many names floating around as potential suitors for the role.

By securing Pierre Gasly until mid-2028, Alpine scored a significant coup. The French team's decision to tie the former Red Bull driver down for the long term is understandable given Gasly's status within the team. He is now the lead driver and the man who brings home the points.

Colapinto shows improvement at Alpine

Alongside the single-time Grand Prix winner is Franco Colapinto, taking up the second seat at Alpine. The Argentine's season, though, is not going as hoped, with no points to his name, and a series of accidents and dissapointing results marring his current campaign. Nevertheless, the past race weekends have shown an upward trend in terms of performance.

Despite doubts from outside the team that the 22-year-old driver would finish out the 2025 season, all signs seem to suggest otherwise. Moreover, Colapinto is a very important candidate - if not the main one - to partner Gasly at Alpine come 2026.

Will Jack Doohan get a second chance at Alpine? | Photo: RacePictures

Flavio Briatore, the Italian who currently leads the French F1 team, insists on stability and the Argentine's presence would provide as much. However, it's also not entirely certain that Colapinto will be given the drive next year. GPblog understands that Paul Aron and Jack Doohan are also contenders to be in the team's second cockpit.

For Doohan, a seat next to Gasly would mean a comeback to F1, after he was sidelined earlier in the current season by Alpine. Paul Aron is the Enstone-based outfit's reserve driver who has made an impression within the team. Apart from a handful of appearances in free practice sessions (also with Sauber), the Estonian has no experience in Formula 1.

Alpine goes for a young driver

GPblog has learned that Alpine aims to let a young talent race alongside Gasly. A veteran - such as Bottas or Perez, although they have now been confirmed by Cadillac as their 2026 line-up - is not an option, this website understands. Aron, Doohan, and Colapinto meet the 'talent' requirement.

A Japanese website reported last week that Alpine had shown interest in Alex Dunne, Formula 2 driver, and part of the McLaren young drivers' programme. GPblog understands, however, that this is not the case.