Promoted to holder by Alpine At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, replacing Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto had a difficult start to the season. After impressing at Williams in 2024 by scoring points from his debut, the Argentinian has still not managed to score this year.

The native of Pilar (Argentina) is, however, experiencing a slight upturn in performance: he has qualified better than his teammate in four of the last five races – apart from the Dutch GP, where he started 16the while Pierre Gasly qualified 14eA performance that Colapinto will hope to repeat at the United States Grand Prix in order to satisfy the demands of Flavio Briatore, executive advisor toAlpine.

Franco Colapinto finds his rhythm after a difficult start

« I found more consistency in the car, concedes driver No. 43. She was difficult for me to drive, she was starting to be really unpredictable, continues the Argentinian. I started finding my feet in the last races after the summer break. Just before the summer, I was already starting to feel the pace improving. »

Although starting behind his teammate, Colapinto also achieved his best result of the season (11e) on returning from the summer break in Zandvoort (Netherlands). Most of the season “It was difficult, but there was clearly an improvement. That’s why the races were positive on a personal level., says Colapinto. However, I am not satisfied with the team’s results at the moment.”

At the back of the grid this season and in the Constructors’ standings, Alpine can only capitalize on the existing package, the formation ofenstone having ” stopped developing the A525 very early to focus on the 2026 model “, explained Pierre Gasly on the microphone of the F1.

« We need to find more rhythm with the package we have, says Franco Colapinto. We are not yet where we hope to be at this point in the season. ” His neighbor in the garage seems less optimistic. ” I’m realistic, I don’t think the pace will change. This circuit will suit us a little better, though. ” nevertheless qualifies the Norman, whose words were corroborated by his passage in SQ2 Friday evening (13th).

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Franco Colapinto’s future remains up in the air

Although progress is visible, the Argentinian driver remains on probation at Alpine, its future not yet being sealed. To ensure his future within the French team, Franco Colapinto must “ continue doing what [he does]” to meet the expectations of Flavio Briatore and Steve Nielsen, director of the French team. It should also be noted that the Italian manager had promised to announce his decision regarding Pierre Gasly’s future teammate ” before November ».

While waiting for Flavio Briatore’s verdict, Franco Colapinto remains hopeful of securing a seat in the premier class. Asked about the possibilities of joining other categories, notably theIndyCar, the pilot decides. I love watching the IndyCar championship but I don’t think I’ll be racing here [in the US] anytime soon, assures the South American. So far, I haven’t spoken to anyone.”