BREAKING: Alpine Has Officially Announced the Signing of Sergio Perez After S…read more

Sergio Perez Joins Alpine in Shocking F1 Driver Market Shake-Up

In a blockbuster announcement that has stunned the Formula 1 world, Alpine F1 Team has officially confirmed the signing of Sergio Perez for the 2026 season. The move ends months of speculation surrounding Perez’s future and abruptly shuts the door on Jack Doohan’s prospects of landing a full-time race seat with the French outfit.

The deal, finalized after a series of internal performance reviews and strategic planning sessions, signals a significant shift in Alpine’s approach as the team looks to return to competitiveness and challenge the midfield—and eventually the front-runners—on a more consistent basis.

A Veteran Joins the Fold

Sergio Perez, 34, brings over a decade of F1 experience to Alpine, along with a reputation for composure under pressure, tire conservation mastery, and consistent point-scoring performances. Most recently a driver for Red Bull Racing, Perez played a crucial supporting role in the team’s recent Constructors’ Championships, helping secure multiple 1-2 finishes alongside Max Verstappen.

His career boasts six Grand Prix victories and more than 35 podiums, with perhaps his most memorable win coming at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Now, with his Red Bull tenure coming to an end, Perez embraces a new challenge—helping Alpine climb the grid.

 Jack Doohan’s F1 Dream Put on Hold

For Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan, the announcement is a bitter disappointment. The Australian has long been viewed as a rising star in the Alpine driver academy and was widely believed to be next in line for a race seat. He has impressed during practice sessions and simulator work, and many insiders expected 2026 to be his breakthrough year.

However, Alpine’s leadership ultimately opted for experience over youth—a move that has sparked debate among fans and pundits. While some see it as a missed opportunity to develop a future star, others view it as a necessary decision for a team in need of short-term results.

Alpine’s Strategic Pivot

The decision to sign Perez s a clear indicator that Alpine is no longer content with developmental seasons. The team has faced a turbulent few years marked by management reshuffles, inconsistent performances, and a failure to build momentum despite a promising power unit and infrastructure.

Team Principal Bruno Famin emphasized the value of Perez’s experience in their decision:

“We are absolutely delighted to have Sergio join the Alpine family,” Famin said in the official press release. “His experience, his racecraft, and his ability to extract maximum performance from a car will be a huge asset to us as we strive to close the gap to the top teams. We’re confident that Sergio’s presence will be a significant step forward in our long-term ambitions, and we look forward to working with him closely.”

Sources within Alpine suggest the deal was finalized shortly after the Miami Grand Prix, with negotiations accelerated following ongoing concerns about the team’s driver consistency and lack of forward momentum.

What’s Next for Red Bull

Perez’s departure from Red Bull leaves a high-profile seat open alongside reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. The move is expected to ignite a fierce competition for the role, with names like Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, and even rookie Liam Lawson reportedly in the mix.

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has yet to comment on Perez’s exit, but insiders suggest the team was preparing for this outcome for several weeks and may be eyeing a younger, long-term prospect to support Verstappen.

 The F1 Silly Season Just Got Wilder

With Perez to Alpine, a Red Bull seat open, and Jack Doohan now reconsidering his path to the grid, the 2025–2026 driver market has entered a full-blown frenzy. Rumors are already swirling about mid-season shifts and surprise retirements.

For now, Alpine fans can look forward to a new era led by two highly experienced drivers in Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon  a pairing that blends aggression, consistency, and ambition. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alpine has made its intentions clear.