Franco Colapinto wrapped up a complicated weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he finished 14th after starting from the pit lane. Beyond the partial comeback, the Argentine driver was critical of his performance and the feelings he experienced on a circuit that never really suited him.
In statements to the press, the Argentine driver shared his impressions and acknowledged a long race without managing to find the pace. The driver explained that both Saturday and Sunday were difficult for him, and that he even felt he couldn't drive the way he expected:"Yesterday I didn't drive well, today I think overall better, but I'm still sliding a lot on entry. Then I try to push in the middle of the corner, I'm experiencing understeer on the front tire, on entry it's always somewhat unstable and I don't have confidence"
Colapinto, visibly frustrated, admitted that he never found the right setup: "Honestly, with a circuit where you need to carry speed, I didn't find what I wanted all weekend and it was tough". With only one race remaining, he is already looking ahead: "Understand and come back better in Abu Dhabi, but it's been a tough end to the season".
Regarding the physical demands and complexity of the Lusail International Circuit, Colapinto was equally direct: "A race that lasts, I think it's a circuit with no walls, but it doesn't allow for mistakes. That damn gravel that doesn't let you go even a centimeter off". He also described Qatar as a layout "very fast, fun to drive, but very hard to follow, hard to overtake", where the two mandatory pit stops made the competition "very monotonous, with no opportunities and boring".
Finally, the Argentine driver concluded bluntly: "This track didn't suit me very well, I didn't feel comfortable all weekend. I hope better ones come". With his sights set on the last Grand Prix of the year, Colapinto hopes to close out a very complicated season both for himself and for Alpine.
