Franco Colapinto’s efforts to secure his F1 seat took a hit on Wednesday after crashing at Turn 11, ending Alpine’s tyre testing programme early at the Hungaroring.
The incident happened during Day 2 of post-race Pirelli testing. Colapinto lost control at the high-speed right-hander early in the session. He was taken to the circuit medical centre and later cleared. Alpine confirmed he was unhurt, but the damage was enough to stop their running for the day.
“Franco Colapinto had an incident at Turn 11 during Day 2 of Pirelli testing. He was assessed at the medical centre and is OK,” the team said.
Turn 11 is one of the fastest corners on the track, taken at full speed with very little room for error.
Alpine Ends Tyre Programme Early
This week’s test is part of Pirelli’s final development phase for its 2026 tyres. The construction must be approved by the FIA before the September 1 deadline.
Alpine ran Paul Aron on Tuesday, then split Wednesday between Colapinto and teammate Pierre Gasly. Ferrari joined the second day, while McLaren and Racing Bulls ran on Tuesday.
Pirelli is working to finalise tyre construction and gather data on compounds, focusing on the C3 to C5 range. Alpine’s test ended early after Colapinto’s crash in the team’s 2023-spec car. The damage was significant enough to stop any further running that day.
Colapinto’s Future Under Review
The crash increases pressure on Colapinto, whose place at Alpine is uncertain. He replaced Jack Doohan at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but hasn’t scored a point. Pierre Gasly has earned all 20 of the team’s points so far.
There was a glimmer of progress in Hungary. Colapinto outqualified Gasly and was running ahead before two slow pit stops cost him time. He still finished one place in front, in 18th.
If Alpine keeps him after the summer break, Colapinto will return to familiar tracks. He raced the last nine rounds of 2024 with Williams, scoring five points after replacing Logan Sargeant.
Doohan remains an option. Paul Aron is gaining experience, and Valtteri Bottas has also been linked to the seat. Alpine has not confirmed its plans. The decision may depend on whether the team focuses on long-term growth or short-term results.