Alpine's F1 2026 Second Seat: A Deep Dive into Potential Candidates
As the 2026 Formula 1 season draws nearer, Alpine's decision-makers are faced with a pivotal choice regarding their second driver. With lead driver Pierre Gasly already secured, the team's management, under the recent oversight of Steve Nielsen, must carefully weigh their options for the remaining spot. This article delves into the various potential candidates, examining their strengths and Alpine's strategic considerations, ranging from nurturing rising stars to leveraging the experience of established racers.
Among the most probable choices for Alpine is Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver, despite facing considerable pressure after stepping in for Jack Doohan post-Miami, has shown flashes of his capabilities. Alpine's Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore, acknowledged that the team might have pushed Colapinto too rapidly, possibly underestimating the human element in a driver's development. Colapinto's initial stint at Williams was commendable, and although he experienced some incidents after joining Alpine, his qualifying performance against Gasly (7-3) suggests underlying potential. His results have been improving, nearing a points finish at Zandvoort, but he has yet to consistently demonstrate the explosive form seen in his earlier career, failing to significantly outperform Doohan.
While less probable, a return for Jack Doohan remains a theoretical possibility. Having been replaced by Colapinto after six races, largely due to a series of crashes, Doohan might argue that he was not given a fair opportunity. Curiously, Colapinto has also had his share of incidents since taking over, albeit at less critical junctures. Doohan's performances were on an upward trajectory, notably matching Gasly's qualifying record before a race-ending collision at Miami. However, Alpine's internal assessments through private testing runs and the initial quarter of the season may have led them to conclude that while competent, Doohan lacked the distinctive spark they sought. Consequently, a direct pathway back to a full-time seat appears to be a remote prospect for him.
A more unconventional, yet intriguing, prospect is Paul Aron. As one of the signings made by former team principal Ollie Oakes, Aron has seemingly accumulated significant credit through his simulator work. His loan spell to Sauber, which included two FP1 sessions, and his subsequent run with Alpine at Monza, where he was only half a second off Gasly's pace, indicate his readiness for Formula 1. Aron's strong performance in last year's F2 championship, where he competed fiercely against talents like Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, suggests he possesses the caliber required for F1. Whispers about his impressive pace during testing further solidify his position as a worthy contender, particularly if Colapinto does not gain significant momentum throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.
For Alpine, opting for an experienced driver from the Red Bull stable could offer a more secure path. With potential reshuffling within the Red Bull program, either Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson might become available. If Alpine feels its current youth-focused strategy isn't yielding desired results, both drivers present known quantities. Tsunoda, a former teammate of Gasly at AlphaTauri, shares a good rapport with the Frenchman, potentially fostering a harmonious team environment. Lawson, on the other hand, is known for his tenacious racing style. While both have faced challenges with Red Bull's capricious RB21 chassis, their proven experience in Formula 1 could provide Alpine with the stability it seeks for the 2026 season. The choice between them would largely depend on Briatore's preference for either Tsunoda's existing chemistry with Gasly or Lawson's determined approach.
Lastly, Leonardo Fornaroli presents an interesting "Moneyball" scenario. Despite winning the F3 title without a single victory—a testament to his remarkable consistency—Fornaroli has since excelled in F2, securing four wins and currently leading the championship. His team principal, James Robinson, expressed surprise that Fornaroli, unlike many of his F2 peers, remains unattached to an F1 junior program. Robinson describes Fornaroli as a driver who, while not flashy or outspoken, possesses exceptional car development skills, a quality highly valued by F1 teams. If Alpine continues to prioritize young talent over raw experience for 2026, Fornaroli's consistent success and development capabilities could place him at the very top of their recruitment list.
Ultimately, Alpine's selection for their second driver in 2026 will be a strategic blend of ambition and pragmatism. Whether they decide to invest further in their promising junior talent pool or seek stability and proven experience from external sources, the choice will undoubtedly shape the team's trajectory in the upcoming Formula 1 era. The team's ongoing evaluation of these candidates will be critical in determining their competitive edge as the new regulations take effect.