ALPINE SHOW FAITH AS FRANCO COLAPINTO PENS 2026 F1 EXTENSION
Alpine confirms Franco Colapinto's contract extension for the 2026 F1 season, retaining him alongside Pierre Gasly. The team backs the Argentine rookie despite a challenging debut year, betting on his long-term potential.
Alpine Keep Franco Colapinto in Long-Term F1 Plans - Credit: XPB Images
Alpine has confirmed Franco Colapinto's contract extension for the 2026 season, allowing him to continue his Formula 1 career with the club.
Despite a difficult first season, the 22-year-old Argentine, who joined the Enstone-based team earlier this year, has gained the trust of team management.
Despite a challenging season for the driver and the team, Alpine's executive adviser, Flavio Briator, stated the team's choice demonstrated faith in Colapinto's abilities and disposition.
Briatore stated, "I have been watching Franco's development during his time in Formula 1 and I have always thought he has the proper qualities and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team."
"Our choice to stick together through 2026 is a resounding testament to our dedication and unwavering support for Franco as he advances as a race driver.
Although it has not been the easiest situation to play in, the club has had a difficult season overall, and Franco and Pierre have both done their best to help set the team for success in the upcoming campaign.
"We have a good mix of experience, pace, and talent with Pierre and Franco in the lineup, which will help the squad advance and hopefully give our supporters something to applaud and yell about next season."
Due to his retention, Colapinto will continue to race alongside Pierre Gasly, keeping Alpine's driver lineup consistent as the team attempts to recover from a difficult season in which the young Argentine was promoted in the middle of the year.
"A long and tough road," said Colapinto.
Earlier this season, Colapinto made his Formula One debut with Alpine after Jack Doohan was demoted due to a series of subpar performances. The team has decided to invest in the Argentine's development despite the fact that he has not yet scored a point because of glimpses of his qualifying speed and closer race-day performances against Gasly.
The former Williams Academy driver expressed appreciation for Alpine's belief in his future while acknowledging the difficult task of securing a spot in Formula 1.
"Given the current situation, I knew it would be extremely difficult to maintain my position in this sport ever since I made my Formula 1 debut," Colapinto said.
"I am extremely grateful for the chance to drive with this team once again in 2026, with Pierre, who has been an excellent teammate and will surely be someone I can continue to learn from." "It has been a long and difficult trip."
Despite having a lacklustre campaign, Colapinto has made good progress in the second part of the season, matching Gasly's pace in recent races and outqualifying him five times.
Alpine is falling in the Constructors' rankings, thus Briatore's support suggests a fresh emphasis on stability and long-term development.
2026 is a new chapter based on faith, perseverance, and the promise of advancement, and it offers the team and driver the opportunity to transform potential into performance.
VESIA FAMILY FACES HEARTBREAK AS BABY DAUGHTER TRAGICALLY PASSES AWAY
LA Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, announced the tragic death of their infant daughter, Sterling. Vesia missed the World Series, with the team and fans offering profound support.
Alex Vesia - Photo Credit: Getty Images
After their daughter, Sterling, passed away on October 26, Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, revealed on Instagram on Friday that Vesia was unable to attend the Dodgers' World Series appearance last week due to the devastating loss.
The Vesias wrote, "Our little angel, you are always with us and we love you forever." "We hold her in our hearts and treasure every moment we spent with her, but there are no words to express the pain we are going through."
During the Dodgers' postseason run, the Vesias were expecting their first child, Sterling. Vesia was forced to leave the squad after her death occurred during the week off between the World Series and the National League Championship Series.
The Dodgers made Vesia's absence from the squad due to a "very personal family problem" public the day before Game 1 of the World Series. To avoid pressuring him into feeling compelled to return, the Dodgers excluded him from both their World Series roster and the family medical emergency list.
At the moment, Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, declared, "This is so much broader than baseball." And for us, that meant doing whatever tiny bit we could to be completely supportive.
In Game 3 of the World Series, the Dodgers' bullpen paid tribute to Vesia by having each reliever write his number 51 on the sides of his cap for the remainder of the series. In Games 6 and 7, the Toronto Blue Jays' relievers made the same gesture, which was widely acknowledged and greatly appreciated by a number of Dodgers.
The Vesias wrote, "We appreciate the Dodgers' understanding and support during this time." "Without the support of our baseball family, we could not have accomplished this.
"Thank you for your love and support, Dodger Nation, the Blue Jays organisation, and all baseball fans." All of your posts, comments, and messages have been viewed by us. It has given us a great deal of comfort.
ANTHONY JOSHUA GHANA FIGHT SPECULATION RISES, DECEMBER 20 SHOWDOWN TEASED
Anthony Joshua is co-promoting a Dec 20 fight card in Ghana and could potentially feature on it. Eddie Hearn hints at a low-key 2025 bout to prepare Joshua for a future Tyson Fury super-fight.
Anthony Joshua Ghana fight rumours swirl - Photo Credit: Getty Images
On December 20, Anthony Joshua and Matchroom Boxing will co-promote a concert in Ghana, Africa, and Joshua might still be included on that bill.
Joshua has been itching for a fight in Africa, and the main event at Legon Sports Stadium is the eye-catching light-heavyweight bout between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez. Heavyweight prospect Leo Atang and Indian sensation Nishant Dev are also scheduled to compete.
BoxingScene is aware that Joshua is eligible to compete, but the former heavyweight champion himself is probably the only one who can confirm any announcement on his next course of action.
Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has been flooded with questions regarding Joshua's comeback. When asked recently by Boxing Social if Joshua may box in 2025, Hearn responded, "Possibly."
"There will not be a big-name bout this year," Hearn continued. You do not have to complain about it since it would not be a headline or a pay-per-view; it could just be a component of something that already exists and is available for purchase, so nobody would be complaining. This is merely a step in the process of becoming completely prepared for the major risk.
"He will not make headlines if he fights this year. We want to work virtually silently, get better, and enter the state of being completely prepared. This has to do with growth and some action. Money is not important; what matters is whether we are making progress. Sometimes, you do not want to return to an arena in front of 80,000 people for a really hard fight and know that you have to get it perfect after 16 months if you have been working on things for a long time and have other individuals in various camps. It is for us. This is for "AJ."
Following two deaths in the nation's prize rings, Ghana temporarily removed its prohibition on professional boxing.
After close collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the National Sports Authority, the interim management committee and medical subcommittee of the Ghana Boxing Federation submitted "an enhanced draft of comprehensive medical and safety protocols for boxing in Ghana."
Hearn stated to Boxing Social: "We are going to get him in perfect condition for the big one, and that is all that matters." It is unclear if Joshua will attend in a role other than co-promoter.
When asked about "the big one," Hearn said, "Tyson Fury."