Alpine Sets Short Timeline for 2026 Second Seat as Colapinto and Aron Face Off
Steve Nielsen points to Colapinto’s recent gains as the team conducts a brief, performance-led review of its two in-house options.
Overview
- Flavio Briatore has limited the 2026 choice to Franco Colapinto or reserve Paul Aron, ruling out external candidates.
- Nielsen says the decision is only a few races away, with a call expected before the season concludes.
- After replacing Jack Doohan post-Miami, Colapinto struggled early but has matched Pierre Gasly on pace in the last two or three races, according to Nielsen.
- Gasly remains Alpine’s sole points scorer with 20 this season as leadership changes have heightened scrutiny of the second seat.
- Alpine emphasizes a performance-based selection process focused on recent form from its current drivers.