Another piece of the 2026 F1 driver market jigsaw puzzle is being slotted into place.

The 2026 grid is starting to take shape (Image: Getty)

Alpine are reportedly set to announce a contract extension for Franco Colapinto before the Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend. The Argentine racer has failed to score a point this season since replacing Jack Doohan, but retains the faith of his team bosses.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, Colapinto’s main sponsor was in the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend, and the two parties are in agreement that the 22-year-old driver will continue with the team into the first year of the new technical regulations.

Colapinto dazzled after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams last season but was unable to lock down a full-time opportunity for the 2025 season. However, after Doohan started his rookie campaign with a disappointing run of results, the Pilar-born racer was afforded another shot at the big time.

While Colapinto is being lined up for a contract extension, his first season with Alpine has been far from smooth sailing. Costly crashes have tested Flavio Briatore’s patience at times, and his decision to ignore team orders during the closing laps of the United States Grand Prix enraged team bosses.

After holding talks with Briatore in the aftermath of the Austin controversy, Colapinto accepted the need to respect team orders moving forward. “The team situation on Sunday has been discussed internally, and it is clear that instructions by the team must always be followed, no matter what,” he said ahead of last weekend’s outing in Mexico.

Franco Colapinto is heading for a contract extension (Image: Getty)

“We are all together, and we are all working towards the same goal to keep getting better with each session and each race weekend. I am looking ahead now to Mexico City, where the atmosphere is always amazing.

“It will be great to have so much support over the weekend, and although the high altitude of the circuit adds an additional challenge, I am excited to get back out on track in front of such an incredible crowd.”

Even team-mate Pierre Gasly, who was on the wrong end of Colapinto’s late-race move in Austin, defended Alpine’s latest recruit. “Overall, as an individual, he has done well, and what was done last week doesn’t reflect what he has achieved as a driver,” he said.

“Was it his finest decision? No. But will he learn from it? Yes. But the nice thing overall is that he is doing a good job for the team, and I think it is important to pull in the same direction as a team, and this is what we need to do, especially in the times we currently are.”