Linked with Alpine’s 2026 plans, Sergio Perez sends a clear message to Franco Colapinto

While Flavio Briatore has dismissed some of the speculation about Colapinto’s place, one name continues to linger: Sergio Perez.

Perez, who lost his Red Bull seat at the end of 2024, has been linked with Alpine in recent weeks. While he was complimentary when asked about Colapinto’s start to the season, he also offered a pointed reminder of how quickly things can change in Formula 1.

“I think Franco is doing very well,” said Perez, speaking to Ivan Moreira. “He has a great future, but in Formula 1 you have to take it step by step because the road is long.

“I am sure he is making good steps in his career.”

Perez – who was also linked to a move to Cadillac – may still play a decisive role in Alpine’s driver market in the coming months.

Colapinto will be aware of the noise building around his contract, especially after replacing Jack Doohan earlier this season. The Canadian Grand Prix showed a calmer version of Colapinto, who cut out many of the mistakes that cost him in previous races.

Still, that elusive first point with Alpine remains out of reach, and the looming contract deadline adds extra weight to every performance.

Franco Colapinto’s stronghold on the Alpine seat is softening ahead of the 2026 season

Colapinto is seen as the front-runner to partner Gasly in 2026, but Alpine have plenty of alternatives if he can’t turn his pace into more consistent results.

Colapinto is in the strongest position right now, but will have to show more consistency to lock in the seat, while Perez’s name won’t be going away any time soon.

Paul Aron, highly regarded by team insiders, and the still-contracted Jack Doohan remain in the picture. Alpine could also look outside their current pool, with Perez continuing to be linked.

Although George Russell is the highest-placed driver in the standings without a deal for 2026, a move from Mercedes to Alpine seems highly unlikely.

Cadillac are keen on making Perez a key part of their debut line-up, which could complicate matters for Alpine if they decide to move for the veteran Mexican driver.

But Colapinto’s recent flashes of pace may give him the time he needs to start converting promise into points and secure his future at Alpine.