Colapinto Crashes During Alpine F1 Pirelli Test at Hungaroring
Franco Colapinto endured a setback on Wednesday as he crashed the Alpine A525 Formula 1 car during a Pirelli tyre test at the Hungaroring. The incident occurred at the challenging Turn 11, one of the circuit’s fastest corners, but the Argentinian driver was reported to be unharmed.
Pirelli Testing: New Challenges Ahead
The Pirelli test session is part of the Italian tyre manufacturer’s preparations for its 2026 F1 compounds. These upcoming tyres feature new specifications, including smaller and narrower designs, adhering to the latest technical regulations introduced by Formula 1.
Participants in the Test
The two-day testing session kicked off following the recent Hungarian Grand Prix and saw three teams—Alpine, Mclaren, and Racing Bulls—participating with 2025-spec vehicles. Ferrari joined the action on the second day alongside Alpine, with teams sharing track time to aid in the tyre development process.
Incident at Turn 11
Colapinto’s crash at Turn 11 raised concerns, but an Alpine spokesperson confirmed that he was evaluated at the track’s medical centre and was “OK.” Despite the minor injuries, this incident adds to the challenges Colapinto faces this season.
Colapinto’s Struggles in 2023
Franco Colapinto has had a difficult campaign, failing to secure a finish inside the top 12 in any race. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, has earned 13 points thus far, showcasing a stark contrast in their performances. Colapinto’s qualifying record is similarly disappointing; he has been outqualified by Gasly seven times to two, facing two crashes during qualifying sessions.
Contractual Uncertainty Lingers
Adding to Colapinto’s woes is his precarious contractual situation. Currently on race-by-race deals, the young driver is at risk of being dropped by Alpine at any moment, heightening the pressure as he seeks to turn around his fortunes in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Colapinto as he attempts to regain his form and secure his place within the Alpine team. This incident during the Pirelli test marks another chapter in a challenging year for the young driver. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on his performance in future sessions.
This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.