Colapinto Crashes During Pirelli Tyre Test at Hungaroring
Franco Colapinto endured a challenging day at the Hungaroring on Wednesday when the Alpine driver crashed during a Pirelli tyre test. The Argentine was swiftly assessed at the circuit’s medical centre and was reported to be “OK,” according to the team.
Incident at Turn 11: An Overview
Amid mounting pressure, Colapinto’s crash occurred at Turn 11 during day two of the two-day tyre testing event. Alpine confirmed that the incident did not impact the tyres but rather the track conditions. “Franco was assessed on site, and we are relieved to report he is uninjured,” an Alpine statement read.
Struggles Continue for Colapinto at Alpine
Having been brought on loan from Williams to replace Jack Doohan, Colapinto has faced a disappointing season thus far, failing to secure any points alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. With speculation about his future growing, discussions are circulating about possible replacements from within the team, including the return of Doohan or the inclusion of other reserve drivers such as Paul Aron and Valtteri Bottas.
Context of the Tyre Test
The ongoing Pirelli tyre test aims to evaluate the 2026 tyre regulations, which feature a narrower design and significant changes ahead of next season. Despite the setback from Colapinto’s crash, Pirelli Motorsport boss Mario Isola expressed satisfaction with the data gathered thus far, emphasizing the test’s importance ahead of the final homologation deadline set for September 1.
Performance Insights from the Hungaroring
Colapinto’s crash followed a promising race at the same circuit, where he outqualified and finished ahead of Gasly. However, the heavy demands of the track, particularly at Turn 11—a 142 mph right-hander with limited run-off—highlight the challenges drivers face during testing phases.
Looking Ahead: Testing Continuity
The tyre testing will proceed with further sessions scheduled later this year in Monza, Mugello, and Mexico City, as Pirelli prepares to finalize the compounds for competitive racing. Despite the disappointing incident, the Alpine team will continue to analyse performance and gather essential data for the upcoming season.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Colapinto as he aims to turn around his fortunes in the cockpit amid increasing pressure from both fans and team management.
