Franco Colapinto Pins Monza Hopes on Alpine’s Missing Upgrades: “Excited for the Future”

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix proved to be a highly challenging weekend for Franco Colapinto , who crossed the finish line in 14th place while navigating treacherous, mixed conditions at Circuit Zandvoort. However, the Argentine driver's struggles were exacerbated by a significant mechanical discrepancy within the Alpine garage. While his teammate Pierre Gasly was equipped with the team's latest aerodynamic upgrade package and managed to salvage a championship point in 10th place, Colapinto was forced to battle the elements in older machinery.

Despite the obvious frustration of racing at a technical disadvantage, Colapinto told the media that he remains highly optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, where his car will finally receive the highly anticipated parts.

Colapinto on Making Moves Without the Upgrades

Zandvoort's sweeping, banked corners and unpredictable weather made it incredibly difficult for drivers to find a consistent rhythm. Despite lacking the ultimate pace of the updated Alpine, Colapinto still managed to execute several impressive overtakes during the wettest parts of the Grand Prix.

"It was difficult, but I think it was a good opportunity to make the moves, and I overtook four cars, so in those wet conditions, yeah, it was good to make some moves," Colapinto told the media.

However, the reality of the machinery deficit ultimately capped his progression through the midfield. He admitted that while the racecraft was satisfying, missing out on the points was a tough pill to swallow, particularly when seeing the success on the other side of the garage.

"But, of course, a bit annoying with the result, but at the end of the day, you know, we came without the upgrades, and it was tricky to score points," he explained. Noting Gasly's performance—Colapinto acknowledged the sheer value of the new parts. "Pierre was P10, so scored a point, which is positive, but for us, it was a bit tricky."

The Formula 1 paddock now heads straight to the high-speed "Temple of Speed" at Monza. As a pure power circuit requiring ultra-low downforce setups, aerodynamic efficiency is absolutely vital to remain competitive.

When asked about the upgrade situation and how frustrated he was to wait another week, Colapinto chose to focus entirely on the positives of the incoming development. Rather than dwelling on the Zandvoort disadvantage, the Alpine driver believes the new package will transform his race pace.

"Yeah, well, looking forward to the upgrades," Colapinto concluded. "I think they are a very big step, so excited for the future."

With Alpine fighting desperately for midfield supremacy in the Constructors' Championship, equipping both drivers with the full upgrade package could be the exact catalyst they need to consistently challenge for points across the European leg.