There are a handful of drivers who know they need to impress after the summer break, and one of them is Franco Colapinto.
Alpine decided after just six Grand Prix weekends this season that a change was needed, with Jack Doohan failing to score a point alongside Pierre Gasly.
The Australian was unlucky in Bahrain, but his huge crash in free practice at Suzuka may unfortunately be his lasting memory in Formula 1.
After being signed on loan from Williams over the winter break, Flavio Briatore handed Franco Colapinto his chance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
He found the barriers in qualifying, and although David Coulthard saw positives from Colapinto’s Alpine debut, he’s also yet to get off the mark in the drivers’ championship this season.
There are already suggestions that Alpine have decided to drop Colapinto ahead of the 2026 season, with the Argentine still on a rolling contract.
However, a leading candidate hasn’t emerged yet after Alpine were turned down by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who both decided to sign for Cadillac, but a new driver has now taken Briatore’s interest.
READ MORE: Who is Alpine’s F1 executive adviser Flavio Briatore? Everything to know
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesFlavio Briatore ‘genuinely interested’ in signing Alex Palou to replace Franco Colapinto at Alpine
A report from F1 Insider has shared more details about the future of IndyCar star Alex Palou.
Palou emerged as a surprise candidate for Red Bull, with the future of Yuki Tsunoda for next season still up in the air.
Suggestions that a deal could be done between the two parties have been dismissed, but Alpine have suddenly entered the conversation.
The report suggests that Briatore is ‘genuinely interested’ in hiring Palou for Alpine next season as he assesses which drivers are available to replace Colapinto.
Another connection exists between Palou and Briatore, and that’s Fernando Alonso.
Alonso has worked closely with Palou in the past, and his relationship with Briatore could prove useful if any negotiations take place.
It’s believed that Palou isn’t particularly convinced by a move to Formula 1 at this stage, but Alpine’s upcoming deal with Mercedes to use their power units from 2026 might prove useful.
Considering the French outfit are currently bottom of the constructors’ championship, anything to give Palou more hope that they will improve next year will be very beneficial.
READ MORE: Who is Alpine 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto? Everything you need to know
Fernando Alonso believes Alex Palou is a racing ‘phenomenon’
Palou is now a four-time IndyCar champion and while the challenge of racing in Formula 1 might appeal to him, establishing his legacy in that series may be equally enticing.
Speaking before his first IndyCar triumph in 2021, via Planet F1, Alonso said of his fellow Spaniard: “Of course, I follow him, and the truth is that he is a phenomenon.
“This year I see him becoming champion because he is the most consistent, the best, and I am very happy because having a young Spaniard who is succeeding in IndyCar, I think, is good for everyone and opens eyes a little bit to new generations, as well.”
2026 confirmed F1 drivers
The driver market still has the potential to produce a few twists and turns over the coming months, but most moves appear to be set in stone.
Mercedes should continue with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Red Bull are more than likely to fill their three vacant seats with drivers already on their roster.
However, Alpine could spring a potential surprise, and if Colapinto goes, Palou would certainly represent that shock.