Franco Colapinto Named Most Under-Pressure Driver for F1 2026

Franco Colapinto has been identified by F1 fans as the driver facing the most pressure heading into the new season. The young Argentine carries the weight of expectation for Alpine, a team rebounding from a last-place 2025 finish and a pivotal switch to Mercedes power units. His performance will be under intense scrutiny as the Enstone-based squad aims for a significant comeback.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a critical juncture for both Franco Colapinto and the Alpine team. After a disastrous last-place finish in 2025, the team has abandoned its power unit project to become a Mercedes customer, a move that brings high expectations. Colapinto's ability to handle the pressure and translate the potential of the Mercedes engine into strong results will be a key indicator of both his personal future and the success of Alpine's new direction.

The details:

• Fan Poll Verdict: In a RacingNews365 series, Colapinto was voted the driver under the most pressure from a group of six drivers representing Alpine, Audi, and Cadillac.
• Perez's Challenge: Sergio Perez also advanced from the same heat, with fans feeling he has more to prove than his Cadillac teammate, Valtteri Bottas.
• The Finalists: Colapinto will now compete in the final poll against Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Isack Hadjar (Alpine), Liam Lawson (RB), and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) to determine the ultimate winner.

What's next:

The real test begins when the lights go out in Melbourne. All eyes will be on Colapinto to see if he can translate the potential of the Mercedes-powered Alpine into tangible results. His performance will be benchmarked against his more experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly, as Alpine seeks to climb back up the grid. A strong start could silence the critics and solidify his place in F1, while a struggle could intensify the pressure.