Short Description
Franco Colapinto’s evolution before the 2026 Formula 1 season reveals his maturity and Alpine’s ambitions, following a challenging 2025 season, as he aims for higher performance.
Read Time
3 minutes 15 seconds
Main Article
Franco Colapinto is poised to make his mark in the 2026 Formula 1 season, showcasing a newfound maturity that has caught the attention of Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore. Having stepped into competitive roles with Williams and later Alpine during the 2025 season, Colapinto is now gearing up for his first full season in Formula 1. The pressure is high, especially after a challenging 2025 campaign where he finished without any points as Alpine shifted its focus toward the significant regulatory changes coming in 2026.
Briatore’s evaluation of Colapinto highlights a crucial shift in his approach to racing. “Last year was Franco’s first year in Formula 1. There were a lot of expectations, and everything was not managed properly,” Briatore stated, indicating that the young driver faced challenges typical for newcomers. In 2025, Colapinto showed impressive race pace, often matching that of his established teammate, Pierre Gasly. However, qualifying remained a significant hurdle. With a record of 5 qualifying wins against Gasly’s 17, there’s clear room for improvement.
As the alpine team prepares for the 2026 season, the focus is on enhancing Colapinto’s skills in key areas like qualifying, where he has often struggled. “We spent a lot of time with him this winter,” said Briatore, pointing out that Colapinto’s talent needs to manifest consistently in qualifying. Both Briatore and Colapinto recognize that the pressures of previous years have led to considerable growth. This season, Colapinto emphasized the urgent need for Alpine to deliver results after a disappointing last-place finish in the constructors’ championship in 2025, stressing that “there are no more excuses.”
With significant changes to both the power unit and regulations, Colapinto is optimistic about the team’s chances in 2026. His commitment to improving through rigorous training and simulation work is evident. “Hopefully, it’s a quick car. It looks good; it should be fast, and we can achieve the results we expect,” he concluded, reflecting a determined mindset.
Short Summary
Franco Colapinto is ready to showcase his growth in the 2026 Formula 1 season, aiming for a strong comeback after a tough 2025 campaign. With a focus on improving his qualifying performance, Colapinto’s ambition aligns with Alpine’s aspirations for a better showing in the upcoming season. A crucial year awaits as they work and strive for exemplary results on the track.
