Columnist says Alpine needs a Verstappen-calibre driver

In a column published on 29 September, RacingNews365’s Jan van der Burgt argues that Alpine needs an exceptional driver to make the most of its switch to Mercedes engines. He names Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli as examples of the calibre he has in mind.

Van der Burgt writes that Alpine is sixth in the 2026 constructors’ standings with 68 points. He considers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto quick on their day, but doubts either can lead the team in the way he believes it needs. The column also recounts earlier remarks by Flavio Briatore, who said he lacked the money for a driver such as Verstappen and praised him as the leading driver of the moment.

For Van der Burgt, changing engines is only part of Alpine’s task: he believes finding a driver who can lead the team would make the greater difference.