Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton spoke highly of Franco Colapinto ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, describing the young Alpine driver as an impressive mix of raw talent and positive energy. During a press conference in São Paulo, Hamilton highlighted Colapinto’s ability to stay composed under pressure and his natural speed, saying his performances this season have proven he belongs on the F1 grid.
The British driver’s comments come just as Alpine officially confirmed that Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Argentine driver from Pilar will continue to partner Pierre Gasly, solidifying Alpine’s long-term driver lineup. The announcement, made only minutes before the Brazilian weekend began, sparked excitement among Franco Colapinto’s passionate Argentine fanbase, who flooded the team’s social media channels with celebratory messages.
Alpine’s confidence in Colapinto’s potential
Flavio Briatore, who has overseen Alpine’s recent restructuring and driver management, explained the reasoning behind the team’s decision to renew Colapinto’s contract. He noted that he had followed Franco’s progress closely since his debut and always believed in his potential to become a key part of the team’s future.
According to Flavio Briatore, the team’s decision to extend Colapinto’s stay was a sign of trust and stability after a challenging season. He emphasized that both Colapinto and Gasly had done their best to extract performance from a difficult car and that Alpine’s focus now is to build a stronger foundation for 2026. Briatore also pointed out that the Colapinto–Gasly partnership represents the right balance of youth, experience, and determination — a combination he believes will help move the French team forward in its quest to return to the podium fight.
“This renewal shows our full commitment to Franco,” Briatore explained in Alpine’s press release. “It has been a tough season for everyone, but both of our drivers have demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and a clear desire to push the project ahead. With Pierre and Franco, we have an ideal mix of experience, talent, and speed that can drive the team towards better results in the coming seasons.”
Colapinto’s gratitude and determination
Franco Colapinto expressed deep gratitude to Alpine’s management for their confidence, saying that continuing with the team represents an important step in his career. He reflected on the challenges of his journey, noting that maintaining a seat in Formula 1 amid constant competition and team changes had been far from easy.
“I am very thankful to Flavio and to everyone at Alpine for believing in me,” Colapinto said. “Since my debut in Formula 1, I’ve known that keeping my place on the grid would be one of the toughest challenges of my life. It’s been a long, demanding road, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Having the opportunity to continue working with Pierre is something I value deeply, as he has been an excellent teammate from whom I continue to learn every day.”
The 21-year-old’s maturity and focus have earned him widespread respect within the paddock. Many observers have praised his ability to adapt quickly to Formula 1 machinery and extract performance even when Alpine’s car struggled for competitiveness. His consistent performances and calm approach under pressure have positioned him as one of the sport’s most promising young drivers.
Hamilton’s recognition reinforces Colapinto’s rising profile
Lewis Hamilton’s praise adds further weight to Colapinto’s growing reputation in the F1 community. The Mercedes-turned-Ferrari driver noted that Colapinto has shown “the right mindset and attitude” for a modern Formula 1 competitor — qualities that separate future champions from the rest of the field. Lewis Hamilton’s endorsement, coming from one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, underscores the respect Colapinto has already earned among his peers.
With Alpine now focusing on refining its 2026 project under the new engine and chassis regulations, Franco Colapinto’s contract extension gives the team a sense of continuity and stability. His relationship with Pierre Gasly, characterized by mutual respect and collaboration, will likely serve as a cornerstone of Alpine’s rebuilding phase.
As the 2025 season heads into its final rounds, Franco Colapinto’s immediate goal remains to finish the year strongly and help Alpine climb the F1 Constructors’ Championship standings. But with a long-term future secured and recognition from top figures like seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, the young Argentine’s career is clearly on a promising trajectory.
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