Franco Colapinto enters a decisive phase in his Formula 1 career as Alpine prepares to assess him directly against Paul Aron during Mexico’s FP1 session. Just a week after making headlines for defying team orders in Austin, the Argentine must now prove his worth on track if he wants to stay in Alpine’s plans for 2026.
In the final laps of the United States Grand Prix, Colapinto chose to overtake Pierre Gasly despite being instructed to hold position. With Gabriel Bortoleto closing in and both Alpine drivers short on fuel, the move frustrated the team’s management.
Although the incident raised eyebrows within Enstone, it isn’t expected to overshadow the 22-year-old’s overall performance this season. He has, for the most part, worked well alongside Gasly.
Alpine Sets Up FP1 Benchmark Battle
This weekend’s FP1 session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will be more than a routine run. It gives Alpine leadership, including Flavio Briatore and Steve Nielsen, a chance to compare Colapinto with Paul Aron. The team plans to make its final 2026 driver decision in November. This session plays a key role in that process.
“I’m struggling generally with the car and on my side it’s tricky to find the right balance at the moment,” Colapinto said on Thursday in Mexico City. “This car is difficult to drive. The compromises we make, I tried to find an easier and more consistent car in Austin and I ended up with the opposite.”
Aron Steps Into the Spotlight
Aron has been steadily building his reputation within Alpine through simulator sessions and private testing. Last month, he drove a two-year-old Alpine at Monza and now gets a fresh opportunity to impress. The Estonian will also take part in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi season finale, though the team expects to finalize its 2026 lineup before then.
His FP1 outing will mainly focus on data collection. It will also give Alpine a clear performance reference against Colapinto. Aron’s strong internal rating and familiarity with the team make him a real contender for the seat next to Gasly.
Alpine’s Car Struggles Add Complexity
The A525’s inconsistent handling has complicated Alpine’s talent assessment. Colapinto has made visible progress in qualifying but continues to battle the car’s unpredictable balance, making it harder to fully demonstrate his potential.
“These last six races personally I’ve been finding pace, and I’ve been quite strong but it’s also true that we cannot show any real personal pace – because at the end of the day we are a bit too far,” he said.
Alpine’s upcoming switch to Mercedes engines in 2026 gives added weight to this decision. A strong driver lineup will be essential in maximizing the opportunities presented by the new regulations. While Colapinto brings valuable sponsorship from Argentina, the financial upside from better race results is far more significant.
Countdown to Alpine’s 2026 Decision
Aron’s FP1 appearances in Mexico and Abu Dhabi could be decisive in shaping Alpine’s future. The team is expected to name its 2026 driver lineup in November, with the Colapinto–Aron battle now at its most critical stage.
This isn’t just about who’s faster — Alpine is looking for adaptability, consistency, and the ability to push the team forward. And as always in Formula 1, the stopwatch will deliver the final verdict.
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