The BWT Alpine Formula One Team has renewed its partnership with Mercado Libre ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the agreement continuing the company’s support of Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto.
Mercado Libre first joined the team as an official sponsor in 2025 and its logo will continue to appear on the Alpine A526 throughout the new Formula 1 season.
The company’s involvement is closely linked to Colapinto, whom it has backed since the early stages of his career.
The renewal reflects a broader strategy to promote Latin American talent within the championship while strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the sport’s fastest growing regional markets.
“Three years ago, we decided to back a young talent who was taking his first steps in Formula 1,” said Sean Summers, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Mercado Libre.
“Today, seeing Franco start his third year in the category, firmly established within Alpine, ready to take on new challenges and truly compete against the best in the world, is a tremendous source of pride for all of us who have followed and supported him from the very beginning.”
The extension also strengthens Alpine’s commercial reach in Latin America, a region that teams and sponsors increasingly view as strategically important for audience growth.
Their presence strengthens our connection with Latin America, a key region for Formula 1, and we deeply value the company’s sustained commitment to our project.
Flavio Briatore
Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor at Alpine, said the relationship reflects the shared ambitions between the team and the e-commerce platform.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Mercado Libre this season,” he said.
“Their presence strengthens our connection with Latin America, a key region for Formula 1, and we deeply value the company’s sustained commitment to our project and to the talent that is part of the team.”
For Colapinto, the continued backing from Mercado Libre adds a familiar partner as he enters his third season in the championship.
“Starting my third year in Formula 1 is both a huge challenge and a dream come true,” he said.
“Each season demands more preparation, more focus, and more ambition, and having the support of Mercado Libre, which believed in me from the very beginning, gives all that effort a very special meaning.
“Today, I feel more experienced and more confident to push forward in this new chapter, ready to start the season in Australia and give everything from the very first lap.”
