New York Times: Colapinto tipped as Alpine favourite for 2026 | OneFootball

The future of the second seat at Alpine for 2026 remains without official confirmation, but in the world of Formula 1, it's clear that Franco Colapinto is the first to deserve it. This is also affirmed in a recent article by The Athletic, the sports section of the prestigious New York Times.

With Pierre Gasly confirmed until 2028, the debate revolves around who will accompany him in the new stage of the team, which will include Mercedes engines instead of Renault in a massive regulatory change. And, according to the analysis by journalist Madeline Coleman, the Argentinian is leading the pack.

According to the report, Colapinto has an advantage over Jack Doohan - whom he replaced from Imola - and Paul Aron - the team's tester. They also anticipate that the formal decision will only arrive in November 2025, probably for the Brazil GP in Sao Paulo (9/11).

The note highlights that Colapinto joined the team after his stint at Williams, where he scored points in two of his first four races. And it clarifies that, although his start at Alpine was not ideal, his sporting potential and commercial value keep him as the main candidate.

In addition, it is mentioned that he did not have a preseason, something that undoubtedly conditioned his adaptation, especially in a less competitive single-seater, last in the championship. Even Flavio Briatore, the boss of Alpine, acknowledged that the pressure on the Argentinian was excessive.

In one of the most forceful phrases of the analysis, it is stated: "Of the three internal candidates, Colapinto seems to be the most likely option for next year at this time, but he needs to avoid costly accidents, stay close to Gasly in terms of pace and show signs of improvement".

Briatore, in an interview with The Race, reduced the fight to two names: "It's between Franco and Paul," he said. This weekend will be crucial: Colapinto will get back in the Alpine in Singapore, with the mission of maintaining his advantage and continue to build his case to keep the seat.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.