Alpine Issue Health Update on Franco Colapinto Following Hungaroring T… read more
Alpine F1 Team has released a statement confirming the well-being of their young driver Franco Colapinto following a high-speed crash during post-race tyre testing at the Hungaroring in Hungary. The Argentine racer was involved in a heavy impact at Turn 11 on the iconic circuit but was promptly attended to by medical staff and has since been declared unharmed.
The incident occurred just days after the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix, as teams remained at the track to carry out testing on behalf of tyre supplier Pirelli. These in-season tests are vital for Pirelli as they continue to develop future compounds and gather data under controlled conditions. For Alpine, it was also an opportunity to provide valuable track time to junior drivers like Colapinto, who is considered one of the most promising talents in the team’s development programme.
According to eyewitness reports and footage from the track, Colapinto lost control of the car at the notoriously fast and challenging Turn 11—a sweeping right-hander that demands precision and confidence. The car left the racing line and went into the barriers at considerable speed, prompting immediate concern. Medical and rescue teams were swiftly on the scene, adhering to strict FIA safety protocols. Fortunately, Colapinto was conscious and communicative throughout, allowing for a smooth extraction from the vehicle.
Alpine later issued a formal update, stating: “Franco Colapinto was involved in an incident during Pirelli tyre testing at the Hungaroring. Following a high-speed crash at Turn 11, he was evaluated by the medical team at the circuit and has been given the all-clear. He is in good spirits and will now take some time to rest and recover during the summer break.”
The team also extended its gratitude to the trackside safety staff and medical personnel for their quick and professional response, emphasizing that the well-being of drivers remains the top priority in all motorsport activities. While the car sustained significant damage, Alpine have confirmed that data from the crash will be analysed in detail to better understand what caused the loss of control and to ensure lessons are learned going forward.
Colapinto, just 21 years old, is a highly-rated member of Alpine’s driver academy and is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. His inclusion in the test reflects the team’s confidence in his development and potential future in Formula 1. This test was seen as a major opportunity for the Argentine to showcase his skills behind the wheel of a modern F1 car, and despite the incident, he remains upbeat about his progress.
Following the incident, Colapinto took to social media to reassure fans and thank them for their support, saying: “Tough end to a valuable day of testing. Thank you to the Alpine team, the medical staff, and everyone for the messages. I’m okay and already looking forward to coming back stronger after the summer break.”
The crash has, however, sparked broader discussions within the paddock about the inherent risks of testing, especially for younger drivers who may not have as much experience handling F1 machinery at full race pace. While Pirelli tests are conducted under controlled environments, the speeds involved—particularly through sections like Turn 11—leave little room for error.
Nevertheless, such experiences, even the difficult ones, are often part of the learning curve for emerging drivers. Alpine will no doubt work closely with Colapinto to debrief the crash, assess telemetry data, and continue refining his development programme. The team remains firmly supportive of his journey and has made it clear that the crash does not alter their view of his capabilities or his future with the team.
The Formula 1 paddock now heads into its traditional summer break, a time for rest and reflection after a grueling first half of the season. For Franco Colapinto, it offers a welcome opportunity to recuperate physically and mentally before rejoining the high-intensity environment of Formula 2 and resuming his push toward an eventual Formula 1 seat.
As Alpine continues to restructure its operations and invest in youth, Colapinto’s involvement in tests like these marks a significant step in grooming the next generation of talent. Despite the setback, both team and driver appear focused on the long-term goals, with safety, resilience, and professional growth at the heart of their journey together.
