The 2026 Formula 1 lineup is beginning to be set, with just four teams yet to finalize their driver rosters for the upcoming season.
Mercedes is among these, expected to retain its driver duo of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The other three teams needing to confirm their lineups are Alpine, Red Bull, and Racing Bulls.
At Red Bull, Isack Hadjar is the frontrunner to succeed the underperforming Yuki Tsunoda. Meanwhile, F2 driver Arvid Lindblad could take part in his rookie season with Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.
Alpine’s situation remains more uncertain. Their lead driver, Pierre Gasly, is contracted until the end of 2028, but Franco Colapinto is battling for his position, having yet to score in 2025.
Despite a moderately successful stint at Williams last year, where he secured two points finishes, questions remain about Colapinto’s future. Should Alpine retain him or find a replacement for the struggling 22-year-old?
Colapinto Deserves Another Year – Stuart Codling
F1 operates on swift judgments, but many still recall Colapinto as a promising newcomer. Last year, he made headlines when he outqualified veteran teammate Alex Albon during his second Grand Prix. However, his tendency to crash has remained consistent.
Tsunoda as a Potential Asset for Alpine – Ben Vinel
If Yuki Tsunoda becomes available, he could be an attractive option for Alpine. Although he’s struggled to secure a strong position next to Max Verstappen, his experience in a top team could be beneficial.
F2 Leader Fornaroli as a Strong Candidate – Jake Boxall-Legge
Leonardo Fornaroli has proven himself in F2, showcasing consistency and professionalism even without a backing F1 team. As a potential candidate for an Alpine seat, his track record indicates he can deliver results when provided a suitable car.
Instability Impacting Colapinto’s Performance – Ed Hardy
Colapinto lacks the charisma of a superstar, and while his brief successes were noteworthy, the deeper, systemic issues at Alpine are impeding his performance. The team’s structure has been unstable, which does not bode well for fostering driver development.
Browning’s Value for Consideration – Kevin Turner
With established drivers like Albon and Sainz now in place, Luke Browning’s potential opportunity at Williams appears diminished. Given his success in previous races, he could be a strong candidate for Alpine, who seek reliability in their second seat.
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