Colapinto admits struggling to adapt to Alpine F1 car

Franco Colapinto reveals feeling “out of phase” with his Alpine car during his first three races after replacing Jack Doohan. The Argentine driver has yet to show performance improvements over his predecessor.

Following a crash in Imola qualifying and slow performance in Monaco and Barcelona — interim team principal Flavio Briatore states he will continue evaluating Colapinto’s performance to determine Pierre Gasly’s teammate for the 2026 season.

“It’s been very difficult and not as I expected. I was hoping to make progress after Imola, but it’s not easy returning to F1 after missing six races,” says Colapinto.

The 21-year-old driver spent time in the simulator and team factory with engineers to understand the issues faced. He focused on improving car settings that he feels aren’t yet optimal.

• Analyzing performance shortcomings
• Learning car characteristics
• Adjusting setup to driving style
• Improving tire management

Colapinto hopes intensive preparation at the Enstone factory can help him perform better at this weekend’s Canadian GP — after finishing 15th in the last race in Barcelona.