Alpine’s team principal, Steve Nielsen, has expressed confidence in young driver Franco Colapinto, describing him as a “slow burner” capable of challenging his more experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly, in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite finishing the previous season without scoring any points, Colapinto remains a key figure for Alpine as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The 22-year-old Argentine faced criticism after being the only full-time driver on the grid without points last season, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Nevertheless, Alpine’s decision to retain Colapinto reflects their belief in his potential, especially given the limited options available in the driver market.
Nielsen acknowledged that Colapinto’s start to the last season was not as strong as anticipated but emphasized the importance of patience in his development. “I think Franco is a talent, and I think that, you know, perhaps he’s a slow burner,” Nielsen stated. He highlighted Colapinto’s performances in certain races, noting that comparisons to Gasly were limited due to the team’s struggles throughout the year.
New Regulations Boost Alpine’s Prospects
One of the significant factors influencing Nielsen’s optimism is the introduction of new regulations that have allowed Alpine to replace the problematic A525 car with the new A526 model. The team aims for improved competitiveness, having addressed several “inherent problems” identified in the previous season’s vehicle.
“It’s no secret, last year’s car had some inherent problems in it,” Nielsen remarked. “We’ve absolutely fixed some of those with this car, which is great. Drivers can take a lot more kerb now. They’re not complaining about the ride.” This overhaul is expected to eliminate the “big handicaps” that hampered Colapinto’s performance last year.
Colapinto himself expressed optimism about the upcoming season. During the recent pre-season testing in Bahrain, he noted that the experience gained would be invaluable. “It really helps, I think, to arrive at race one with all this mileage,” he explained. “It’s a big step, and of course, it always helps.”
The pre-season has provided Colapinto with an opportunity to gather crucial data and experience, which he missed in previous years. With approximately eight races’ worth of mileage already logged, he feels better prepared to compete at a higher level.
As the 2026 season approaches, the pressure is undoubtedly high for Colapinto, but his resilience and the support from Alpine may enable him to rise to the occasion. With the new car and a fresh start, both the team and the driver are eager to showcase their potential on the track.
