Franco Colapinto spoke about his first impressions of the A526 and the difficulties of the new regulations

Franco Colapinto had his first official contact with the A526 at the start of the 2026 shakedown of Formula 1, which is taking place this week behind closed doors at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Argentine driver was in charge of driving the French team's new single-seater for the first time and left a positive impression on his debut.

During the morning session, Colapinto set the third-fastest time with a lap of 1:21.348, a position that he held throughout the day. In the afternoon, he managed to improve his own mark to 1:20.189 and once again placed third, only behind Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and George Russell (Mercedes), among the nine drivers who took to the track.

The day was not without setbacks, since Alpine had a technical problem in the morning that forced the Argentine to remain in the garage for about an hour and a half. "We experienced some minor issues that made us lose time, but that are to be expected with a completely new car", the French team warned. Despite the malfunction, Colapinto was able to complete the day with 60 laps and 279 kilometers (173.4 miles) in total, a number considered positive given that this was the first test.

After the session, the Argentine gave statements to F1 TV, where he spoke about his first impressions of the new single-seater. "I'm very happy to be in my first season with a new car, with new regulations. The cars are very different, there are big changes and that is always very exciting", he said. 

He also highlighted the team's work: "The boys and girls in Enstone made a huge effort. We are all very grateful for that and happy to start working with this new car".

For Colapinto, this preseason has special value. Although he is facing his third year in Formula 1, this is the first time that he can prepare from the start. "This is what I needed in previous years. With this mileage and this early learning in the season, it is very useful", he stressed.

"I'm going to try to make the most of it, to work a lot with the team. This is something new for everyone and that always requires a lot of work and effort from every member of the team, which is what we are doing. So yes, exciting days ahead. I hope that we can have a good couple of days ahead, add more mileage, get to know the car a little better from my side, do a few more laps and then get ready for Bahrain", he commented.

Meanwhile, the native of Pilar also referred to the new technical regulations that apply to both the chassis and the engines and that he was able to experience on track for the first time. "They are very different. At the end of the day it is still a racing car and you have to drive it fast within the available grip, and that is quite similar, but the technique changes a bit", he explained.

"The energy management, the tires are much thinner and smaller, and there are many changes to which, of course, we have to adapt and also readapt our way of driving. There are many things to learn and understand, and to try to find my way", he detailed.

To conclude, Colapinto referred to his goal for the coming days and the first Grand Prix of the year, Australia: "I believe that as long as we work well with the team we will have good results in Melbourne. Our focus is there: to focus on ourselves and try to make the most of the four days on track".

The results of the first day of shakedown in Barcelona

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