Flavio Briatore

Alpine chief hints at driver line-up for 2026 after Gasly's contract extension

14:17, 14 Sep

Updated: 14:54, 14 Sep

bySamson Ero

Flavio Briatore has weighed in on the Alpine team driver lineup for the 2026 campaign after Pierre Gasly penned a new contract. The Italian motorsports chief also hinted at the possibility of Franco Colapinto's continuity at the Enstone outfit.

Pierre Gasly during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Image: Race Pictures

“He is one of the best drivers on the grid.”

- Flavio Briatore

The 75-year-old, who spoke in an interview via AFP, touched on the decision to extend Pierre Gasly’s contract. Briartote stressed he considers the French driver one of the best on the F1 grid.

“Gasly's renewal was fundamental for the team, because he is one of the best drivers on the grid and one of the pillars of the project. He is part of the family and wants to win with us.”

Gasly, who joined the French outfit ahead of the commencement of the 2023 campaign, was handed a three-year extension ahead of the start of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan at Alpine. Image: Race Pictures

Briatore of Colapinto’s continuity

Flavio Briatore also weighed in on the continuity of Franco Colapinto at the Alpine team. The Italian hinted that the team’s need for stability could translate to the continuity of the Argentine. He, however, stressed the team is yet to decide on who to partner with Gasly for the 2026 campaign.

“The second driver? The team needs stability, and the possibility of keeping the same two drivers for next year is part of that stability.

"For now, we haven't decided yet, but normally, if you want stability, it means you have to keep both drivers. The most important thing now, however, is to build a car that works.”

Colapinto was brought in during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to replace Jack Doohan. So far, he has yet to record any points-scoring finish, with his best result still the 11th-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

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