Franco Colapinto achieved his best Formula 1 result by finishing seventh at the Miami Grand Prix, showcasing his and Alpine's progress. The Argentine driver also outperformed teammate Pierre Gasly in qualifying, marking a significant milestone.
Franco Colapinto left Miami with a spring in his step, having secured a career-best seventh place in the Grand Prix. The Alpine driver navigated a strong weekend that saw him finish in the points for the second time this season, a feat that highlighted both his talent and the team's recent upgrades.
The Argentinian arrived in Miami buoyed by a thrilling demonstration in Buenos Aires where he drove a 2012 Lotus E20 and a Mercedes W196, a nod to Juan Manuel Fangio. This homecoming spectacle seemed to set the tone for his Miami performance, as he outqualified his teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time this season. Starting from eighth on the grid, Colapinto held his own against the likes of Lewis Hamilton and was eventually promoted to seventh after Charles Leclerc received a post-race penalty.
"It's been a very good weekend," Colapinto remarked, reflecting on the team's efforts to bring new parts and upgrades to the car. "We executed every session perfectly, and it’s rewarding to see our hard work pay off with points. The team has made significant strides, and it’s great to show the speed of the car this weekend."
Colapinto's seventh-place finish surpasses his previous best of eighth place at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix when he drove for Williams. With both he and Gasly scoring, Alpine now sits fifth in the Constructors' Championship. Colapinto believes the team’s newfound pace has been pivotal, making everything "much easier" and boosting his confidence.
"When you have the pace, suddenly everything becomes much easier," he noted. "This weekend was much better, and I feel very strong going forward."
As the season progresses, Alpine will be keen to maintain this momentum, and Colapinto’s performance in Miami serves as a promising sign of things to come.