Flavio Briatore weighs in as Argentine sensation Franco Colapinto outshines his veteran teammate, sparking intense rival interest amidst a volatile driver market and Red Bull's shifting priorities.
Alpine has entered the conversation surrounding the 2026 Formula 1 driver market — one that is shaping up to be among the most turbulent in recent memory, with potential moves involving Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon, and Valtteri Bottas all creating uncertainty across the paddock.
If even a portion of those rumors materialize, several seats could open up at competitive teams before the season is out. That kind of movement could benefit Alpine directly — or complicate their planning. The French outfit currently fields Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
But it is the Argentine who has drawn the most attention in the opening phase of the season, with multiple reports suggesting he is already on other teams' radar. Colapinto has been outperforming Gasly with notable consistency, which carries real significance given that Gasly — a former Red Bull Racing driver with years of F1 experience — has been officially designated as the team's lead driver.
What Did Alpine Say About Franco Colapinto's Future?
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's influential advisor, offered a candid update on the team's driver lineup plans in an interview with The Race. He acknowledged that a great deal still depends on what happens elsewhere on the grid, pointing specifically to the uncertainty around Mercedes and whether the German team will pursue a move for Verstappen.
His position was clear: Alpine needs to see how the market develops before making any commitments. The appetite for attracting a major star reflects Alpine's broader ambitions. The team is not content to remain a midfield outfit indefinitely — their goal is to reach the level of McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, or Mercedes, teams that consistently compete for podiums and championships.
As for the Verstappen rumor specifically, Briatore and others within the paddock appear to consider a team change to Mercedes unlikely in the near term, given that the Silver Arrows are currently leading both world championships with Antonelli and Russell.
A more plausible scenario, many believe, is that Verstappen takes a break from F1 altogether — similar to Fernando Alonso's sabbatical years — rather than joining a rival team. With a Verstappen departure from Red Bull looking increasingly possible, Red Bull would be forced into the market for a replacement.
And the name most frequently linked to that seat is Oscar Piastri, whose relationship with McLaren grew strained during the 2025 title fight with Norris, and maybe those scars could be decisive in the moment he faces the decision to leave or stay in McLaren Racing.
