Colapinto crashes during post-Hungary Pirelli tyre test

Written by Meghana Sree

Alpine's Franco Colapinto met with a damaging crash on Day 2 of Pirelli's tyre testing ahead of the 2026 season. After being assessed at the medical centre, the Argentine was deemed "OK."

Credit: Formula One

Several teams along with Alpine, including McLaren, Ferrari and Racing Bulls, have remained at the Hungaroring after the Grand Prix weekend to participate in a two-day test organised by Pirelli to assist in their 2026 tyre development.

On day two, Alpine confirmed that their latest Formula One recruit, Franco Colapinto, was involved in a crash at Turn 11, a high-speed right-hander.

Releasing a statement, the team announced that following on-site assessment, the Argentine driver was cleared from the medical centre.

Colapinto was joined by teammate Pierre Gasly during this tyre test that aims to give Pirelli more data that will shape their homologation of 2026's tyre constructions and prototype compounds.

Credit: Formula One

This crash is yet another setback in what has been a tougher 2025 season for Colapinto compared to his stellar debut at Williams last year after taking over from Logan Sargeant.

Replacing Jack Doohan from Imola onwards this year, Colapinto is still struggling to find form with a best finish position of only 13th in the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix.

His season thus far has been riddled with more crashes than Alpine can afford: twice in Qualifying sessions, the first at his debut weekend with Alpine.

Colapinto's lacklustre performance compared to Gasly, who has been the sole points-scorer of the Enstone outfit in 2025, puts his seat with the team on the line. The Argentine will undoubtedly be looking forward to the summer break to reset and ensure he can hold on to his contract, which is currently on a precarious race-by-race basis.