26/06/2026 22:47 - Deportes
The Austrian Grand Prix kicked off with bittersweet results for Franco Colapinto and the Alpine team. The Argentine driver, who continues gaining valuable experience in Formula 1's top tier, couldn't hide his frustration after Friday's two free practice sessions at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
The day started promisingly during the first practice session (FP1), where Colapinto secured the 8th fastest time. However, hopes faded during FP2, when the 23-year-old dropped to 16th position, clearly showing that the changes made between sessions didn't produce the desired effect.
According to the driver himself, Alpine introduced five updates to the car for this race weekend, including a new front wing expected to enhance aerodynamic performance. Unfortunately, results fell far short of expectations.
The Problem: The changes implemented for the second session worsened the car's performance rather than improving it, forcing the team to rethink their strategy ahead of Saturday's qualifying session.
The new front wing was one of the key pieces in the update package, designed to optimize airflow toward the rear of the car and improve downforce through the Austrian circuit's corners.
| Session | Position | Fastest Driver |
|---|---|---|
| FP1 | 8th place | Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) |
| FP2 | 16th place | Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) |
His Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly finished FP2 in 11th position, also far from the front runners. The French squad has significant work ahead to reverse the situation before Saturday's qualifying.
The Alpine team will analyze data collected during both sessions to determine which modifications worked and which should be discarded. Saturday's qualifying will be the true test to see if they can find the ideal setup.
Franco Colapinto continues his adaptation process at Alpine, working to establish himself as a full-time driver in Formula 1. The French team is experiencing a challenging season, making every update crucial in their efforts to improve results. The talented Argentine has shown flashes of speed and continues developing his skills at motorsport's highest level.
Who is Franco Colapinto? The 23-year-old from Buenos Aires is Argentina's first Formula 1 driver in over two decades, bringing enormous excitement to motorsport fans across South America. His journey from Formula 2 to Formula 1 represents a historic moment for Argentine motorsport.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
