After a difficult debut at Alpine in 2025, Franco Colapinto feels better prepared than ever ahead of the new season. The 22-year-old Argentine, who was allowed to keep his spot alongside teammate Pierre Gasly at the end of last year, emphasizes that one crucial difference from previous years gives him an advantage: for the first time, he completed a full pre-season test program. In earlier periods in Formula 1, including at Williams, that preparation was missing.
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During the winter tests at the Bahrain International Circuit, Franco Colapinto covered many kilometers and finished the week with a fastest time of 1:33.818, about four-tenths behind Pierre Gasly. In total, he drove 968 laps, six more than his teammate. This underscores that Alpine let him work extensively on rhythm, setup, and procedures ahead of the opening round in Melbourne.
‘Big step forward’
Asked if he already notices the effect of his first full winter test, Colapinto was clear. “Yes, I think it really helped to show up at the start with all those kilometers,” he replied. “That is always valuable.” He explained that the number of kilometers he has already covered is equivalent to about a third of the Formula 1 calendar. “I am now much closer to the level that the other guys had already built up,” he continued. “Clocking up kilometers is simply essential. In equivalent terms, I have already completed eight Grands Prix; that obviously helps a lot. In previous years I missed that, so this is a big step forward.”
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Colapinto inherited the Alpine seat from Jack Doohan last year during the Imola Grand Prix. The Australian had not managed to score points for the French team. Colapinto also remained pointless, but in the second half of the season, he got closer and closer to the more experienced Gasly. The team ultimately gave him the benefit of the doubt and kept him for 2026; test and reserve driver Paul Aron was ready to replace him.
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View the 2026 F1 calendar here
