The Argentine driver returns to the circuit where, in 2024, he scored his first points in Formula 1, although this time with a low-performing Alpine
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Franco Colapinto faces a new challenge next weekend in Baku, host of the seventeenth round of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar. The 22-year-old Argentine will return to the street circuit where, a year ago, he wrote a historic page: in just his second race as a full-time driver for Williams, he qualified eighth in Q3 and repeated that position in the race, earning his first points in the top category.
The present, however, is different. Alpine arrives with a complicated outlook after a poor performance in Monza, affected by chassis and engine shortcomings. Despite this, Colapinto expressed confidence ahead of the event: "I'm ready to return to Baku, where I scored my first points in Formula 1 last year," he stated in an official team release.
Colapinto consiguió sus primeros puntos en la F1 en Bakú
"I feel good in the car at this moment, despite the difficulties we had in Monza. We took the time to analyze all of that and last week I prepared for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Enstone," he added.
The Azerbaijani track, six kilometers (3.73 miles) and 20 corners, excites the driver. "Baku is one of the most beautiful circuits we visit during the year. Its views of the old city and the Flame Towers, along with its very narrow layout, make it one of the most pleasant places to race. I have very valuable memories from 2024: I finished eighth there to score my first points, and it's always good to keep that in mind," he noted.
A circuit that always brings surprises
As a street circuit, Baku usually offers unpredictable races, with frequent appearances of the safety car and the Virtual Safety Car. This factor is one that Colapinto hopes to take advantage of: "The goal will be to be in a position to seize the opportunities that will surely arise on such a challenging track."
El Safety Car es una de los posibles ventajas que podría tener Alpine en Bakú
"We know it won't be easy, but we'll do our best to maximize our results and start the final stretch of the season in the best possible way," he concluded.
