Colapinto opens Williams talks as Alpine step up Alonso pursuit for 2027

Alpine’s Alonso push reshapes the 2027 market

Franco Colapinto’s future is becoming a central storyline in the 2027 Formula 1 driver market, with the Argentine’s representatives reportedly speaking to Williams as Alpine intensify their pursuit of Fernando Alonso.

Alonso recently said at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he has a contract to remain with Aston Martin in 2027 if he chooses to continue racing. However, Alpine have not abandoned their ambition to bring the Spaniard back to Enstone for a fourth spell. The driver won his two world titles with the team during its Renault era in 2005 and 2006, then returned for the 2008 and 2009 seasons before rejoining in 2021, when Renault had become Alpine.

Reports that Aston Martin are confident of retaining Alonso for 2027 underline the uncertainty surrounding the move. Yet Alpine’s interest is understood to have accelerated over the past month, with Alonso expected to decide his plans during the 2026 summer break.

Contract options and Alpine’s calculations

David Croft has claimed that Alonso’s Aston Martin contract may run through 2029, while also suggesting the 45-year-old could leave after 2026 or move into an ambassadorial role. Alpine, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared to continue talks, with Gucci replacing BWT as title sponsor from next year potentially helping the team meet Alonso’s “high salary”.

That possibility has direct consequences for Colapinto. Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore has reportedly told the Argentine to “look for another seat” if he wants to race in 2027. Colapinto is on loan from Williams under an agreement intended to keep him at Enstone through that season, but Alpine are not obliged to place him in a race seat.

Williams becomes the logical landing point

An early return to Williams is therefore gaining traction. The Grove team’s 2027 line-up remains uncertain, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both potentially leaving after a frustrating 2026 campaign. Sainz is also reportedly viewed by Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll as a leading candidate to replace Alonso should the Spaniard depart.

Williams signed Colapinto out on loan after agreeing to bring Sainz in for 2025 and 2026, with options extending through 2028. If Sainz declines to stay, Colapinto could return ahead of schedule. Reports from Spa indicated that Williams team principal James Vowles spoke with the Argentine, while representatives from both sides also met on Saturday morning.

The potential sequence is clear: Alonso to Alpine, Colapinto back to Williams and Sainz to Aston Martin. For now, it remains a developing chain of negotiations—but one capable of reshaping several teams’ 2027 plans.