The lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season is gradually coming together.
The Formula 1 driver market became extremely active last year, resulting in numerous teams preparing to unveil new driver pairings for 2025, with several stars already committed for the upcoming season when F1’s new regulations take effect.
A few new contracts have been issued this year, although none of the drivers who might be at risk of being replaced at the end of the current season have yet signed any agreements.
Notably, George Russell is anticipated to finalize a new deal with Mercedes, and it’s expected that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will stay alongside him.
Cadillac is nearing a deal with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, which could be announced before the Dutch Grand Prix.
This situation leaves just four seats available for the 2026 season, unless a signed driver is dropped, as Perez was at the end of last year. A group of Red Bull-supported drivers and Alpine member Franco Colapinto are still waiting for their outcomes.
Sadly for Colapinto, it appears increasingly unlikely he will be retained for 2026, even with his financial backing.
READ MORE: Learn all about Alpine’s 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto’s Alpine Future Uncertain
A report from the Swiss publication Blick has revealed more about the future of the 22-year-old driver.
At the season’s onset, Alpine had Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan on the grid. However, Doohan struggled, leading to Colapinto being loaned from Williams during the winter break.
Despite having eight race opportunities to impress in the drivers’ championship, Colapinto is yet to score any points, making him the only current racer without a point.
It is reported that Colapinto possesses £14.7m in sponsorship, which may be his only lifeline for keeping his seat. Reports suggest that ‘after the Abu Dhabi finale in December, his time may be up,’ leaving one slot still vacant in the driver market.
Potential Candidates for Alpine’s 2026 Roster
Gasly is confirmed for the 2026 F1 season, but Colapinto faces a real risk of being replaced. Colapinto might argue for another chance if he can outpace Gasly and secure points.
Doohan remains in Alpine’s plans and is working behind the scenes, but another opportunity for him seems improbable.
READ MORE: All you need to know about the Alpine F1 Team
With Bottas and Perez nearing deals with Cadillac, the pool of former drivers seeking grid positions has diminished. It remains uncertain if Alpine will consider drivers like Mick Schumacher or Zhou Guanyu while the fate of any Red Bull driver who loses their seat could also become relevant.
