Chatting with Paddock Journal forward of the Austrian Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto mirrored on Alpine’s encouraging progress in 2026 and the problem of closing the hole to Method 1’s established front-runners.
After spending a lot of 2025 preventing behind the sector, Alpine has emerged as one of many winners of the 2026 season. The Enstone-based crew arrived in Spielberg fifth within the Constructors’ Championship, firmly established because the main midfield outfit.
The turnaround follows a interval of main behind-the-scenes change, together with the choice to finish growth of Renault’s Method 1 energy unit and change to Mercedes buyer engines, whereas the arrival of government advisor Flavio Briatore has introduced renewed momentum to the crew’s long-term challenge. With upgrades persevering with to reach all through the marketing campaign, Alpine’s subsequent goal is evident: scale back the hole to the main 4 groups.
Paddock Journal: Alpine is presently the very best of the remainder behind the highest 4 groups. How optimistic are you that the crew can hold that place till the top of the season? And do you suppose it’d even be attainable to problem the highest 4 already this yr?
Franco Colapinto: I feel at some races we glance nearer than at others. It’s been a bit up and down in comparison with the highest 4 groups. At some races, we glance nearer; at others, we’re a bit additional away.
With these new automobiles, all the pieces is a little more unpredictable. We’re working laborious to carry upgrades and make the automotive faster, however everybody else is doing the identical. The highest 4 groups at all times appear to be bringing one thing new, so generally we drop again a little bit, then we shut the hole once more.
Hopefully, sure. We’re working laborious as a result of, after all, final yr we have been on the again, and now we’re within the midfield, which may be very constructive. However we would like extra, and we’re working laborious to shut the hole.
