Alpine confirm F1 driver most likely to replace Franco Colapinto

Briatore and Colapinto in deep conversation in the Alpine garage — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Alpine confirm F1 driver most likely to replace Franco Colapinto

Alpine are looking for a new driver

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Monday 13 October 2025 08:58

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Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has revealed the driver most likely to replace Franco Colapinto in 2026.

Colapinto has been under immense pressure of late, having not scored a single point since replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine 12 races ago.

Australian rookie Doohan was given just six race weekends to try and prove his worth, while Colapinto has already had double that amount, and there has been lots of speculation surrounding his position alongside Pierre Gasly.

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Alpine are currently sat down in last position in the constructors' championship, and 2026 is set to be a huge year for them, with new regulations sweeping into the sport which may just provide an opportunity to make ground on their rivals.

Nevertheless, Colapinto's performances have improved in the last few race weekends, and he has been closer to his much more experienced team-mate Gasly, even outqualifying him at the last three races.

Now, Nielsen has revealed what Colapinto needs to do to keep his seat, and the only driver who could potentially be in the frame to replace the Argentine for 2026.

"Honestly, it's no secret, Nielsen told F1 media. "Drivers are measured against their team-mate first.

"Pierre is a very experienced driver. We measure Franco against Pierre. And he's done a really good job in the last three races. If that continues, I see no reason why he can't stay in the seat but that decision is still some way away yet."

Nielsen also confirmed that Paul Aron is in the mix for the seat, but "whether anybody else is, I don't think so at the moment."

Who is Paul Aron?

Aron currently undertakes work as Alpine’s test and reserve driver, helping the team back at the factory at Enstone and will also be available to jump in the car should Gasly or Colapinto be unable to compete in a grand prix.

The 21-year-old earned himself a spot within Alpine’s reserve driver lineup after finishing third in the 2024 Formula 2 season, behind current F1 stars Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar.

Aron has actually competed alongside Bortoleto at Sauber this season, being loaned out by Alpine to help Sauber to fulfil their rookie driver quota for practice sessions.

In 2025, Aron has taken part in three FP1 sessions, at the British and Hungarian grands prix with Sauber, and at the Italian GP with Alpine.

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