Source: Formula 1

Colapinto Starting to Feel Comfortable in Alpine Car on Return to F1

Franco Colapinto’s Impressive Start in F1

Imola, Italy – In an exhilarating return to the Formula 1 scene, Franco Colapinto expressed satisfaction with his first day of action back in the Alpine car. Following a successful stint as a substitute driver for Williams in 2024, Colapinto has been officially signed as a reserve driver for the 2025 season with Alpine, marking a significant step in his racing career.

Colapinto’s return was highlighted during the practice sessions at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Having previously competed in nine race weekends, he was thrilled to replace Jack Doohan for the upcoming five rounds of the season, an opportunity that came shortly after the Miami Grand Prix.

The First Day Back on Track

During his time on the track, Colapinto faced challenges but made notable progress throughout the sessions. He finished the first practice session in 17th place, followed by an improvement to 13th in the second session. Despite the relatively low-key positioning on the timesheets, Colapinto was pleased with his adaptation to the Alpine A525 car.

“I’m starting to feel a bit more comfortable in the car,” said Colapinto, reflecting on his experience. He added, “Still a lot to work to do with the car set-up and with the tools as well with the settings, but I’m starting to feel a bit more comfortable in the car.” These remarks demonstrate his ability to assess and adjust to the complexities of Formula 1 machinery.

Anticipation for Qualifying

With the opening segment of Saturday’s qualifying session approaching, Colapinto acknowledged the challenges posed by traffic, particularly in the first qualifying round. He emphasized the need to be sharp from the outset, explaining, “For sure, Q1 is going to be tricky with the traffic… We need to check today all the data late into the night, and I’m sure we’ll come with good answers and a bit stronger tomorrow with all the learning from today.”

Colapinto is not just focused on his performance; he is also mindful of how the overall Alpine team dynamics will play out during the weekend. He noted, “I think by the end I was starting to be a bit more competitive. So, yeah, looking good. I think the car is looking quite strong, especially with Pierre [Gasly], so I’m sure we can do a good weekend both tomorrow.”

The Busy Atmosphere at Imola

The atmosphere during the practice sessions was bustling, as cars scrambled to find clear air on the track. Despite the frenetic environment, Colapinto maintained a positive outlook on his performance and the team’s potential, suggesting an overall optimistic outlook for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

As practice concluded, fellow alpine driver Gasly echoed a similar sentiment, stating he experienced “the best Friday of the year” with a strong performance in practice, showcasing the team’s capabilities.

Colapinto’s return to F1 not only invigorates his racing ambitions but also adds excitement to the Alpine team as they look to maximize their performance throughout the season.

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine F1, Emilia Romagna GP, F1 Practice, F1 2025, racing news, Imola, motorsport, Formula 1 drivers, F1 qualifying