Formula 1 News: Colapinto colors emerge as Alpine future firms for 2026 (Update)

(GMM) Franco Colapinto looks poised to stay with Alpine for 2026, according to Spanish broadcaster DAZN, which reports that confirmation of the Argentine’s new deal is expected between the Mexican and Brazilian grands prix.

The news follows Alpine’s unveiling of striking yellow flashes on its special livery debuting in Austin featuring Colapinto’s main sponsor Mercado Libre – the Argentine e-commerce giant whose colors will appear across the next three Formula 1 events in the Americas.

For the 22-year-old rookie, the retention represents a vital show of faith after months of uncertainty about his future. But the good news comes against a grim sporting backdrop, with Alpine languishing at the bottom of the constructors’ standings in 2025 and struggling for competitiveness.

Pierre Gasly, who recently secured his own extension with the Enstone team until 2028, acknowledged the difficulties when speaking to Belgium’s RTBF in Austin.

“We are aware and understand the reasons for the problems we are experiencing this year,” said the Frenchman. “We made the strategic choice at the start of the season to start focusing very early on 2026.

“We stopped developing this car and when you see how tight the grid is with 20 single-seaters within eight tenths of a second, we are paying a little price for this decision, but it should give us an advantage for next year.”

Gasly confirmed that his long-term commitment was made only after “certain guarantees” from management.

“It wasn’t a decision that was made immediately,” he added. “I needed certain guarantees from the team and they were able to provide them. There are many reasons to be optimistic.”

The 29-year-old said Alpine’s early pivot toward the 2026 regulations was crucial, even at the cost of current results.

“I supported the team in this decision, knowing full well that it would make the season difficult, even if it is still a little more complicated than we thought,” Gasly said.

“But I am truly convinced that this will put us in a much better position for 2026. I have complete confidence in the team. There are always things to improve, but there is a real dynamic building.”

(GMM) Franco Colapinto’s Formula 1 future at Alpine looks increasingly secure, helped by a major new commercial push from his backers at Mercado Libre, whose bright yellow branding now features on the team’s special livery for the next three races.

The Argentine rookie has faced mixed reviews on performance, with team advisor Flavio Briatore warning earlier this season that Colapinto still needs to impress more to guarantee his 2026 seat.

But off track, his value to the Enstone outfit has never been stronger.

Alpine and Mercado Libre on Thursday unveiled the striking yellow livery in Austin, celebrating Latin America’s growing influence in F1 through a campaign titled Unidos por la Velocidad (“United by Speed”).

“The livery features Mercado Libre’s iconic yellow, visible across the next three Grands Prix in Austin, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo,” Alpine said in a statement. “The campaign, starring Franco Colapinto and Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr., opens a new chapter in our partnership.”

Mercado Libre CMO Sean Summers said the collaboration reflects “a shared passion for speed and excellence,” while Alpine marketing chief Guy Martin praised the campaign as part of a broader strategy “to connect with new audiences passionate about Formula 1.”

Colapinto said racing in his sponsor’s colors is “very special.”

“It means bringing a brand to the track that was born in my country and now represents millions of Latin Americans,” he said. “For any driver, competing in Formula 1 is a dream. I’m living mine – with effort, dedication, and the support of an incredible team.”

Speaking to reporters in Austin, the 22-year-old said Alpine management has simply asked him to “keep doing what I’m doing” in the final six races.

“I’m working very well with the team, and everyone is staying motivated even when we’re struggling for pace,” Colapinto said, although he insisted he knows “nothing” about his future yet.

“The car isn’t where we want it to be right now, but I trust that next year it will be quick. When our moment comes, we’ll be ready.”