Formula 1 fans have reacted to Franco Colapinto’s contract extension with Alpine, which secures the Argentine driver’s future with the team through the 2027 season.
Colapinto will continue alongside Pierre Gasly after impressing Alpine since moving up from a reserve-driver role to replace Jack Doohan during the 2025 season.
Colapinto’s Alpine contract extension
After the first 12 rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Colapinto sits 12th in the drivers’ championship with 19 points. Gasly is 10th with 44 points.
Alpine’s announcement follows Max Verstappen’s contract extension with Red Bull, which keeps him at the team until the end of 2030. Williams has also extended the contracts of its current drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
With numerous rumours about driver changes circulating in the paddock, the recent run of contract announcements has ended several silly-season stories.
“Silly season now serious season. Happy for him though!” one fan posted on Reddit, while another added: “This season is so sensible that it’s silly.”
“Very good to see. Colapinto has improved significantly in his time with Alpine and is more often than not following closely behind Pierre, which is no easy feat. Vamos Franco!!” wrote another fan.
“Even though he took over the seat from a fellow Australian I’ve come to quite like his personality, and he’s quite fast too at points. Looking forward to seeing him on the track next year,” someone else posted, while another added: “Sensible decision. I think he’s doing a good job. Plus, he’s bringing in some good sponsor money, and he’s highly appreciated in his home country, so why fire him?”
Further reactions included: “At this rate the only change on the grid could be Ocon,” and “The guy has been holding on really well. Well deserved. Happy for him.”
Source: www.motorsport.com
