Franco Colapinto’s 2026 Alpine contract “earned”, says James Vowles

James Vowles says he's "really proud" of Franco Colapinto after the Argentinian confirmed his 2026 seat with Alpine, adding that the Formula 1 rookie has now shown the potential Williams first spotted in him. 

As an alumnus of the Williams Driver Academy, Colapinto made his debut with the Grove outfit at the end of 2024 before moving to Alpine as a reserve driver for the 2025 season. He was quickly promoted as he replaced a faltering Jack Doohan, and as Alpine has slowly improved over the year, the team has now confirmed his place on the 2026 grid with an extended contract.

Speaking to the media ahead of the 2025 Brazil Grand Prix, the Williams team principal was pleased to hear of the deal.

“I'm really proud of what he's done – certainly over the last, let's say, seven races. It’s a big turnaround for me. He's showing the world the performance I saw when he was with Williams,” Vowles said.

“I think he's earned that seat for next year, and I was incredibly proud of him when they announced it.”

The contract is understood to see him locked into the Alpine seat until the end of 2026, leaving only Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson with unconfirmed futures in the championship. 

Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images

The Argentinian driver brings with him strong commercial value - something that will have certainly sweetened the deal for the French racing team.

“He's got such a huge following. On the way in here [to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix] – and I'm really not exaggerating – it took half an hour because there's about 50,000 incredibly passionate Argentinians, and that’s what I like to see," Vowles added.

“The sport is in a health it’s never been in before, and Franco has this huge following. So I think he's done it on performance; he also does it on what the sport's getting out of it as well at the same time. I think he's got a bright future – it's for him to keep earning it year on year.”

The driver sits 20th in the drivers' standings with zero points, only ahead of Doohan, who competed in just six races this season. His team-mate, Pierre Gasly, sits in 18th with 22 points, three ahead of Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto.