F1 | Alpine looks ahead to 2026: a rookie to replace Colapinto at Monza FP1
Alpine has started evaluating its options for the 2026 season and will field a rookie in place of Franco Colapinto at the 2025 Monza Grand Prix. The Italian Grand Prix weekend is often a time when teams give opportunities to their young talents, and Alpine is following the same approach, using Monza to begin assessing potential drivers for 2026.
Colapinto’s struggles and Alpine’s plans
Flavio Briatore has been open about the situation. The Argentine driver has not impressed, and the numerous mistakes he has made so far make it unlikely he will retain his seat for next year. As a result, the French team is exploring who could be the best fit to partner Pierre Gasly in 2026.
A rookie steps in
One of the top candidates is Estonian talent Paul Aron. He will take Franco Colapinto’s car during the first practice session (FP1). Alpine confirmed this in an official statement at the start of the Monza weekend: “Paul Aron will have the opportunity to drive during a practice session within a race weekend. This will be his third FP1 of the year and the first in an Alpine car. Throughout the year, he has worked extensively in the simulator and participated in various tests, including TPC, Pirelli, and last year’s young driver tests. Paul will drive Franco’s car,” the statement read.
Aron’s reaction
Paul Aron also shared his thoughts on the opportunity: “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the A525 for my first Grand Prix weekend with the team at Monza. I’ve gotten to know everyone very well since joining at the end of last year as Test and Reserve Driver, and I appreciate the trust the team has shown by letting me drive in Friday’s first practice session. My goal is to do the best job possible to help prepare the car for the entire weekend and be in the best position for a competitive race weekend from the start. Personally, it will be great to build on the experience I’ve gained in the simulator and from testing opportunities. I will make sure to use all of this to have a productive and enjoyable session, both for myself and the team.”
Looking to the future
It remains to be seen if Aron can demonstrate his talent and convince Flavio Briatore to give him a seat for 2026, a year that will be crucial for Alpine’s development and ambitions.
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