Franco Colapinto’s return to the Formula 1 grid with Alpine has been one of the most talked-about stories heading into the Imola GP. The 21-year-old Argentine, who impressed during his nine-race stint with Williams last season, has now been handed a high-pressure opportunity with Alpine, stepping in for Jack Doohan just six races into the 2025 season.
Though the circumstances of his return are far from ideal, Colapinto is focused, grounded, and eager to make his mark again.
Colapinto focusses on Imola GP
Speaking to the media at the Imola GP on Thursday, Colapinto was measured yet excited about jumping back into competition with Alpine after nearly half a year on the sidelines.
“Really excited. You know, everything is new again. We start from zero. It wasn’t the nicest to be… after doing the last nine races of last year and then having to step out. It was not what I wanted, but it was a good time to reflect on what happened and to learn from it. So, happy to be back. Of course, it’s never nice circumstances when it happens like this, when you step in another driver’s seat, but you never really choose the moment you do it in Formula 1. I just take it, try to do my best and try to maximise it for the job.”
The call-up came quickly, and Colapinto has been working hard behind the scenes ever since.
“There has been a lot of work in the background. Apart from the last couple of days, also before. I’ve been doing a lot of sim work for the team. Of course, not trackside but still helping the team to try to develop the car during race weekends. It has helped me a bit to learn the car, the tools, the different settings the team is running, because I’m not very used to it. It’s quite a big switch from one team to another, so it has been helpful.
“And then, of course, the prep since it got announced has been very strong. We’ve been doing a lot of things in the sim. So happy. It’s been a really long time since I’ve been in a race weekend. A bit rusty maybe, but I think it’s going to come off very quickly.”
The preparation of stepping into the Alpine A525
Asked when he last drove an F1 car, Colapinto revealed a surprise run at Zandvoort shortly after the announcement.
“I drove the day after it was announced, in Zandvoort. So I think it was one day before you guys were there. A lot of fans, it wasn’t really a private test.”
As for his physical readiness, especially for the demanding Imola circuit, Colapinto admitted the challenge—but remains unfazed.
“It was OK. Still getting kind of used to it. The body had to adjust. So it was tricky at the start, but it just takes a while. Imola is a tough track physically. It’s not like my start in Monza, which is the easiest one of the year. But it’s great to be back. It’s great that it happens in Italy as well. I have really good memories here and in Monza too. So yeah, excited about the weekend.”
With limited time to prepare, he’s keeping expectations in check.
“ I think just try to focus on myself. It’s very tricky to have any expectations. I haven’t even driven the car yet, so lots of things to learn. But I think we are doing the right steps and if we go little by little, I think I’m going to arrive to a decent place.”
The bigger picture: Colapinto’s five-race window
Colapinto’s return at the Imola GP is not just about this weekend, it’s a critical five-race window with Alpine, where every session could influence whether he stays on the grid in 2026 and beyond.
“I think as a driver, I’m just trying to go step by step. I don’t really know the car, so a lot of new things coming and I just want to do the basics right and then the results are going to come. I’m not really expecting any kind of result. The performance of the teams is so tight and it changes from track to track.
“At the end, in FP1 and FP2 we don’t really have a clear view of where we are at. We’re still working a lot with the team. The main goal is to make the car quicker as well. We need to find a lot of performance, and I think that’s going to come with a lot of work from everyone. So that’s the main goal – to try and improve the performance and then of course, after these five races, we’ll see.”
Some in the paddock—including fellow drivers—have called the decision to give Colapinto just five races “harsh.” He agrees, but he’s not dwelling on it.
“I’m happy to be in F1. I don’t even think in terms of five races—I’m just in a happy place and I’m dealing with it very well. I think at the moment I just want to get back in the seat and drive.
“And of course, after you heard Carlos—especially Carlos—saying that he needs like 10 races to get used to a car, I think five is not enough for me. I’ve only driven nine in my life in F1. So yeah, it probably takes me a few more races, probably a couple more than five to get up to speed and maximise everything out of the car. But it is what I have and I just want to maximise it, enjoy it and try to do the best for the team.”
The evolution of a driver
Colapinto emphasised that he’s a more complete driver now, especially compared to his sudden debut last season.
“I don’t really think it’s such a new thing. I’m much more relaxed. I’ve had the experience of racing, I’ve had the experience of being in a race weekend with a different team. I still have that feeling—I’ve been racing in December, so it’s not that far away.
“It doesn’t feel the same as Monza. Monza was massive excitement, everything was new, it was the first time I was going to be part of a Formula 1 grid. Here it feels a bit different. It’s still my dream come true—so the feelings are the same—but now I want to work with the team. It’s not only about the dream of becoming an F1 driver, it’s about working towards the team’s goals. Getting good results, being consistent in the points—that’s what we want to achieve”
The shift to Alpine has also meant navigating a new culture, but Colapinto’s perspective is lighthearted and positive.
“For me it’s great. Look, I love Alpine. I think Renault and Alpine have a massive history, a big legacy in the sport. And yeah, I think it’s a great step in my career as well to be racing for them. It’s tricky—after the World Cup, some sparks are there, but it’s more from the French towards Argentina. We are fine with them, we beat them, so we are OK.
“Look, I’m really happy here. I’m in a happy place and have a really good relationship with the engineers, with the mechanics. Everyone around the team has been very supportive and I’m really happy to be here. So excited to start the work. Of course, new faces, new names, everything on the set-up, on the settings, everything is new and different. So we need to adjust to it, but I’m sure we’re going to do a good job.”
The love from Colapinto’s home country
Colapinto also touched on the overwhelming attention he’s received from Argentina and Latin America.
“You know, the Argentinian fans and I think Latin American fans—they are very passionate, very euphoric and they love supporting their athletes and people that they feel close to them. They’ve always been there and they’ve always been very supportive.
“But yeah, I think we always try to keep the respect for all the drivers on the grid—that’s the main thing the fans should do and something to improve on. At the end it’s the same. I had to manage this last year. I had a bit of time to read some stuff and now I’m racing and everything is deleted again. So yeah, focus here.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season after the Imola GP and beyond, Colapinto knows what’s at stake at Alpine, but he’s keeping his mindset steady.
“Last year I had zero experience. I hadn’t had any testing. I just had 300k of running in an F1 car before I drove in Monza. It was much trickier.”
“This year, just having that extra experience, having that knowledge of having already raced in Formula 1 is going to help me a bit. So yeah, hopefully it does. Yeah, just can’t wait to jump in the car.”
Whether this five-race stint evolves into a longer chapter remains to be seen, but Franco Colapinto is making the most of his moment. For now, it’s not about noise or speculation; it’s about the work.
“Let’s focus on the job and see what we can do.”
