F2 title leader enters frame for 2026 Alpine seat

Sep.15 (GMM) Speculation is intensifying about who will partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine in 2026, with several names now in the frame.

Franco Colapinto has struggled to impress since being drafted in by Flavio Briatore on loan from Williams in place of Jack Doohan.

But at Monza, the Italian supremo suggested the Argentine may yet be safe. “It’s November that we have to make a decision,” Briatore said.

Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport reports that other contenders are circling. Formula 2 frontrunner Richard Verschoor – close to fellow Dutchman Max Verstappen – was on the panel but ruled himself out as an option.

Yuki Tsunoda’s links to Alpine, meanwhile, are considered weak. A stronger possibility is that McLaren could loan out Irish talent Alex Dunne for a year or two, with enquiries reportedly already made.

Dutch racer Renger van der Zande believes F2 championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli could also be in the mix.

“I think Alpine will give Leonardo Fornaroli a chance,” he said. “He has a lot of money from home. I think Alpine will talk to him.”

Fellow pundit Rick Winkelman agreed – while floating a dramatic scenario. “I understand, by the way, that Franco Colapinto won’t finish the year, and that Jack Doohan will probably return,” he said.

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