13/06/2026 21:09 - Deportes
Monoplaza de Fórmula 1 en la recta principal del circuito de Barcelona, mostrando la diferencia de agarre entre ambos lados de la pista con la grilla de largada visible
Qualifying for the Barcelona Grand Prix left Franco Colapinto in 13th position after being eliminated in Q2. However, beyond the numerical result, there's a little-seen aspect that could prove decisive: the Argentine will start from the left side of the grid, known in Formula 1 circles as the "clean side".
Who is Franco Colapinto? The 22-year-old Argentine driver has become a national phenomenon in Argentina, a country with deep motorsport passion but limited recent F1 representation. His aggressive driving style and charismatic personality have drawn comparisons to his compatriot Juan Manuel Fangio, the legendary five-time world champion. Colapinto currently races for Alpine, a French manufacturer team that has shown competitive pace in 2026.
At permanent circuits like Barcelona-Catalunya, the asphalt doesn't offer the same grip level on both sides of the main straight. The "clean side" receives less traffic during the race weekend, meaning less rubber deposited on the surface and less dirt accumulation. This translates to better grip, particularly in the crucial first meters when the lights go out.
Starting from the clean side allows for better traction at the launch, something crucial for gaining positions before reaching the first corner. On a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult, maximizing the start can make the difference between being stuck in traffic or moving forward early.
For Colapinto, starting in the midfield, this detail represents a genuine opportunity to pass direct rivals immediately. His teammate Pierre Gasly will start 14th, directly behind him on the grid.
The Alpine driver didn't hide his frustration after qualifying:
"It was a disaster. I tried to push hard on the final lap, but the car isn't doing what I want. I knew it would be very difficult and I tried to take risks, but nothing worked. The balance is very poor."
He added: "Nothing is working, I'm a bit lost and it's quite frustrating". However, he attempted to maintain perspective: "Starting 13th there are opportunities and we're not that far from the points".
| Pos. | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 3 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 13 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 14 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
Championship Leader: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
The Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, inaugurated in 1991, is a technically demanding track that combines fast and slow corners, with turns 3 and 9 being the most challenging. It requires high aerodynamic downforce and careful tire management, making it a true test of driver skill and team strategy.
Argentina: 10:00 local time
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Alfredo S. Quiroga
