**Explosion at Imola! Colapinto beats Gasly in private test, leaving Briatore in shock**
In an unexpected twist that has shaken up the Formula 1 paddock, young Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto stunned everyone in a private test at the Imola circuit. The 21-year-old Alpine protégé not only demonstrated his innate talent but also outperformed his experienced teammate, Pierre Gasly, in a session that generated a stir and headlines in the motorsport world. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s influential executive advisor, was visibly impressed by the Argentinian’s performance, further cementing the perception that Colapinto is a rising star.
The test, carried out with the 2023 Alpine A523 single-seater, was an opportunity for Colapinto to showcase his speed and adaptation to the Formula 1 environment. According to sources close to the team, the Argentine posted times that not only rivaled Gasly’s, but were clearly superior on several laps. This result is especially notable considering that Gasly, with years of experience in the premier class, is Alpine’s number one driver and has scored all of the team’s points in the 2025 season so far. Colapinto’s performance not only surprised by his consistency, but also by his ability to squeeze the most out of the car on a circuit as technical as Imola.
Briatore, known for his flair for discovering talents like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, couldn’t hide his amazement. Witnesses claim that the Italian, after reviewing the session data, exclaimed: “This kid is a phenomenon!” Colapinto’s performance comes at a crucial time, as the Argentine was recently confirmed as the regular driver for the next five races, replacing Jack Doohan starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This test seems to confirm that Briatore’s gamble on the youngster from Pilar was more than a good one.
Colapinto’s impact isn’t limited to the track. His charisma and connection with fans, especially in Argentina, have generated a buzz that transcends borders. Social media exploded with the hashtag #DaleNene, and fans are already dreaming of seeing him fight for points at Imola. However, the challenge won’t be easy. Going up against Gasly in the race and maintaining consistency on a demanding schedule will be a real test for the rookie. Even so, his performance in the simulator and in previous tests, such as those conducted in Barcelona, Monza, and Zandvoort, shows that he is ready for the challenge.
With Alpine struggling to climb the Constructors’ Championship, Colapinto’s emergence could be the boost the team needs. Are we witnessing the birth of a new Formula 1 star? Imola, a circuit where Colapinto has already triumphed in Formula 2 and 3, will be the stage where he will begin to write his story. The motorsport world is keeping an eye on him!
