Franco Colapinto has put behind a complicated Grand Prix of Austria and is now focusing all his attention on Silverstone, where this weekend he will compete in the British Grand Prix. Ahead of the ninth round of the season, the Alpine driver explained the problems that affected the team's performance in Spielberg, expressed optimism for the British race, and recalled the circuit where he began his journey to the top category.
In statements to the press present at the venue, the Argentine revealed that the limitations of the A526 became evident from the first laps of the weekend in Austria, although he acknowledged that finding a solution was not an easy task. "I think we understood the limitations we suddenly had. I mean, from the first time I drove over the weekend, I knew what was limiting me, but it was complicated to fight against that or solve it", he explained.
Additionally, he detailed that the car's behavior varied depending on the type of corners, making it difficult to find a setup that worked throughout the circuit. "The balance became a bit harder to correct because at low speed we have one thing, at high speed we have another, and it has been a bit... like it dispersed our limitations more. And it's complicated with the setup to fix one thing without compromising the other. So we struggled a bit with that all weekend", he noted.
Colapinto also attributed part of the difficulties to the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring. He explained that the combination of heat, altitude, and high demand on the tires ended up amplifying the weaknesses of the car, although he hopes the situation will be different in Silverstone.
"I think Austria is a track that has historically been very tough for us and that at altitude, with the heat we had, if we already struggled in Barcelona, in Austria it's hotter, it's at altitude, and you have even fewer tires. It hasn't been an easy weekend for us, and I think we understand why. I hope we understand how to solve it quickly, and I hope Silverstone isn't as big a limitation as Austria was. I think with less heat and being at sea level, it will be good", he stated.
On the other hand, the Buenos Aires native reflected on his evolution during the season and highlighted that starting the year from the beginning alongside the other drivers allowed him to feel increasingly comfortable with the car. "Of course, starting to drive this car at the same time as everyone else has helped me. I think we put the car in a better place after a few races, and I felt quite comfortable and confident in it", he maintained.
However, he admitted that the latest update introduced by Alpine changed those feelings: "The last update set me back a bit to where I didn't feel comfortable with the car and to the problems I had, but we should solve it this weekend and be in a better position".
Beyond the sporting aspect, Silverstone holds a special place in Colapinto's career. There he participated in 2024 in his first free practice session of Formula 1 with Williams, an experience that marked the beginning of his journey in the category. "I'm very happy. It's a track that I've always enjoyed. And, of course, having it here, my first session in F1... My first FP1 was very special, and it's a bit where I started my journey in F1 and why later in the year I raced for Williams. It's a nice memory to have, and it's always nice to come back to this track. It's one that I've always enjoyed driving and where I have very nice memories in F2 and F3", he recalled.
The Argentine driver also emphasized the importance of this race for Alpine, as it takes place very close to the team's headquarters. "It's a very special track, and racing in England for the people from the factory is something unique. Being able to bring their families, to see the car up close... Even though here at the track we are 150 every weekend, the other 1,000 who are there don't have the chance to see it. I hope we have a good result to thank them and give something back", he concluded.
