After a difficult debut with Alpine in 2025, Franco Colapinto heads into the new season feeling more prepared than ever. The 22-year-old Argentine, who retained his seat alongside teammate Pierre Gasly at the end of last year, stresses that one crucial difference from previous years gives him an edge: for the first time he completed a full pre-season test programme. In earlier spells in Formula 1, including at Williams, that preparation was missing.
During the winter tests at the Bahrain International Circuit, Franco Colapinto logged heavy mileage and closed the week with a best time of 1:33.818, roughly four‑tenths behind Pierre Gasly. He completed a total of 968 laps, six more than his teammate. That underlines that Alpine gave him the space to work on rhythm, setup and procedures ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.
‘Big step forward’
Asked whether he can already feel the effect of his first full winter test, Colapinto was clear. “Yes, I think it really helped to arrive at the start with all those miles under my belt,” he replied. “That’s always valuable.” He explained that the number of kilometres he’s already covered equals about one third of the Formula 1 calendar. “I’m now much closer to the level the other guys had already built,” he continued. “Racking up miles is simply essential. In equivalent terms I’ve already done eight Grands Prix; that obviously helps enormously. In previous years I missed that, so this is a big step forward.”
Colapinto inherited the Alpine seat from Jack Doohan last year at the Imola Grand Prix. The Australian had failed to score points for the French squad. Colapinto also finished the season without points, but in the second half he drew steadily 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 poised to replace him.
