Franco Colapinto will face the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend at one of the best moments since his arrival in Formula 1. After finishing seventh in Miami and sixth in Canada, the Argentine driver has established himself as one of the references in the midfield, however, before heading out on track in Monte Carlo, he identified what the main challenge for Alpine is compared to the rest of the rivals on a circuit where qualifying often defines a large part of the final result.
"If we look back, I think our strength has clearly been in the races, and here you can't overtake, so we are trying to understand why we are not as competitive as we expected in qualifying and what we need to improve in that aspect to be stronger on Saturdays", he explained this Thursday to the media.
For Colapinto, the problem is directly related to the team's ability to bring the tires to their ideal operating temperature, a difficulty that becomes more evident on certain tracks. "We have difficulties when we need to generate energy in the tires and when we don't have enough fast corners or the aerodynamic load necessary to transmit the energy they need".
"We will have to work on that during the free practice sessions and try to be more competitive in qualifying, because that is the key here. I believe that if we manage to have a competitive car for a lap, we will be in a good position", he stated.
The Argentine even acknowledged that he is still studying how to get the most out of the tires under certain conditions. "I still don't fully understand how to get the tires into the correct operating window, and I think that will be the most important thing this weekend", he noted.
Additionally, he explained that Monaco no longer presents such extreme differences compared to other circuits as it did in previous years. "This circuit is very different from all the others on the calendar, but the changes in the cars are much smaller. Before, you would bring a maximum aerodynamic load package and the cars would change a lot. Now you are much more limited by the aerodynamic package and the setup options", he commented.
In that same vein, he compared the challenge that Monte Carlo represents with the last races held. "Canada and Miami were low-speed circuits. Miami was somewhat more like an urban circuit, while in Canada it was very cold and I think that affected us a bit. Let's hope it is warmer this weekend", he concluded.
Later, in a conversation with ESPN, Colapinto elaborated on the importance of quickly finding a setup that allows him to feel comfortable and joked about how crucial qualifying is on the Monaco track for the race result: "If we start in the top ten on Sunday, watch the race; if not, don't watch it".
"Winning in Monaco is unique, 100%. I believe it is the race that everyone wants to win and it is the race that everyone aims to have a good result. It is important for sponsors, it is important for the bosses", he concluded.
When Colapinto returns to race
After his historic sixth place in Canada, Formula 1 will cross the pond and land at the urban circuit of Monaco, where the Argentine finished thirteenth last season. The race in the principality will take place in two weeks, between Friday, June 5, and Sunday, June 7.
