Franco Colapinto, renewed for Belgium: 'I feel rested and ready to come back'

Franco Colapinto is preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit with renewed energy and a positive mindset, after taking advantage of the two-week break to recover both physically and mentally.

The Argentine driver for Alpine valued the time off as a key opportunity to train and refocus after the bitter experience he had at Silverstone, where he was not even able to start the main race.

"Not being able to start the race on Sunday was disappointing, especially considering the opportunities that the drivers further back had. However, the weekend was not without its lessons," Colapinto acknowledged, in a reflection that also included praise for his teammate Pierre Gasly, who achieved the team's best result of the season.

During the break, Colapinto traveled to Barcelona to focus on physical training and arrive at Spa in optimal condition. "It was nice to have time to recover. I traveled to Barcelona to train and I feel rested and ready to get back on track," he explained, with his sights set on the last two weekends before the summer break. "We'll try to make the most of it and start the second half of the season on the right foot," he added.

What's coming up in Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps represents one of the great challenges on the calendar: the longest circuit of the year, with iconic corners such as Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, and conditions that demand the most from drivers and teams. For Colapinto, it will be the ideal opportunity to capitalize on the work done at the factory, turn the page, and show progress on track.

The weekend will also be special for Alpine due to the commemoration of Anthoine Hubert, a former member of the Renault Sport Academy, who passed away at Spa in 2019. The team will take part in the traditional "Race for Anthoine," which will also remember Dilano van 't Hoff, who lost his life at this circuit in 2023. "We're celebrating the 'Race for Anthoine' again in memory of my friend," Pierre Gasly said, visibly moved.

With the tribute as a backdrop and the chance for sporting redemption at one of the temples of world motorsport, Colapinto heads to Belgium determined to regain ground and continue growing in his first season on the doorstep of Formula 1.