Emilia-Romaña 2025 Grand Prix in Icola not only marked the triumphal return of Argentine Franco Colapinto to Formula 1 as Alpine’s titular pilot, but also left the world of motorway speechless with its performance. In his first race with the French team, the 21 -year -old showed that he is not at the maximum to go unnoticed. His telemetry, compared to that of his experienced companion Pierre Gasly, reveals a potential that already generates a stir for the next challenge in Monaco, within only seven days. Next, we tell you all the details of this vibrant debut, based on the statements of Colapinto and the analysis of your performance.
The weekend in Isola was not a walk for collapint. During the classification, a strong accident in the Q1 forced him to leave the session after hitting the walls at the exit of the Tamburello variant. However, his initial time of 1: 16,256 allowed him to start in the 15th position, a solid result considering that it was his first time behind the steering wheel of Alpine A525 in competition. “I am a little sad because I think we had potential to fight for Q3. I was approaching Pierre more and more,” said the Argentine to ESPN after the incident. Despite the reverse, his approach was clear: “It was an expensive mistake, but I am sure we are going to overcome tomorrow.” And he did so.
On Sunday, Colapinto completed the 63 laps of the race with a conservative but effective performance, ending in 16th place. Although he did not add points, his rhythm was remarkable, especially in the final bars. “It was a positive day. I have to get used to the car, it takes time to reach the limit. You have to work with the team for tomorrow,” he reflected after the race, showing a maturity that contrasts with his youth.
What really turned on social networks and captured the attention of fans was the analysis of telemetry shared by specialized accounts such as @dperformancef1 in X. According to the data, Colapinto rolled with less power than Gasly in Imala, but in the areas where the engine was not determining, the Argentine surpassed his partner. “Almost all the differences are on the line. In the curves, Colapinto was in front,” said the publication. This data is key: in a technical circuit like Icola, where the precision in the curves is fundamental, Franco showed a skill that puts him along with a pilot with 159 large experience awards like Gasly.
During the race, Colapinto matched the times of Gasly in several laps after the relaunching after Safety Car caused by the abandonment of Kimi Antonelli. On Tour 57, for example, it marked a time of 1: 20,345, just 0.053 seconds slower than 1: 20,398 of Gasly in the next return, despite the fact that the Argentine’s tires had less wear. This level of competitiveness in its debut with a new car is an indication of its potential to shine in circuits such as Monaco, where the pilot’s ability usually weighs more than the power of the car.
An outstanding moment of the race was Colapinto’s decision to give its position to Gasly, following team instructions. Flavio Briatore, Alpine advisor, had asked the Argentine to prioritize the collective strategy to maximize the chances of adding points. Franco fulfilled, allowing Gasly, with cooler tires, to advance until the 13th place. “I did what the team asked me. The intention was that Pierre was for those at the back, and it went well,” said Colapint, earning the thanks of his partner and the respect of fans.
With imola in the rearview, the eyes are now put at the Monaco Grand Prix, a track where the classification is crucial due to the few overtaking opportunities. Colapinto, who turns 22 on May 27, is motivated: “We must continue learning. We have good data to go to Monaco with more confidence.” His ability to quickly adapt to Alpine and his precision in technical curves makes him a candidate to surprise in the streets of the Principality.
Franco Colapint’s debut in Icola not only fulfilled expectations, but lit the illusion of Argentine and Latin American fans. His telemetry, comparable to that of Gasly, and his professional attitude positions him as a promotion on the rise. With Monaco just around the corner, the “Pibe de Pilar” is ready to accelerate towards stardom. Will you make the great leap in the Principality? Share this story and join the conversation on social networks!
