Formula 1: Franco Colapinto had an accident during tyre testing in Hungary

Franco Colapinto was involved in an incident this Tuesday during Alpine's Pirelli tire tests for the upcoming Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit. The 22-year-old driver went off track at turn 11, one of the fastest of the 14 turns that make up the Hungaroring layout, a venue that last weekend hosted the 14th round of the 2024 championship.

The images circulating on social network X show that the impact mainly damaged the right side of the A525 he was driving. Colapinto, visibly in good condition, stood next to the single-seater to analyze what had happened before being taken as a precaution to the circuit's medical center. There, he was evaluated by medical staff and was discharged shortly after.

Alpine statement

After the initial scare, the team issued a brief message confirming the situation: "During the morning of the second day of Pirelli tire testing at the Hungaroring, Franco Colapinto was involved in an incident at turn 11. He was evaluated at the circuit's medical center and is fine".

Colapinto was participating in a test day organized by Pirelli at the wheel of an A525 single-seater adapted to the 2026 regulations, which had been driven on Monday by Estonian Paul Aron, the team's reserve driver. Additionally, Alpine took the opportunity to conduct a TPC (Test of Previous Cars) with the 2023 model, the A523.

Interrupted plans

In this second car, Pierre Gasly was at the wheel, with the idea that later he would swap seats with Colapinto. For now, it hasn't been confirmed whether the Argentine driver will be able to resume activity or if the A525 can be repaired in time for Gasly to use it as well.

This Wednesday, Alpine shares the track with Ferrari, which has Charles Leclerc testing a modified SF-25. Yesterday, in addition to the French team (which completed 159 laps with Aron), McLaren with Lando Norris (144 laps) and Racing Bulls with Liam Lawson (143 laps) also ran.