Latest news with #AlpineA525
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Pirelli Steps Away From Controversy After Colapinto Crash in 2026 Tire Test
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula One tire supplier Pirelli has released a statement after Franco Colapinto suffered a major crash while testing the 2026 tire compound in Hungary. Pirelli has distanced itself from a potential controversy, confirming that there is no link between the new tire compound and Colapinto's crash. Alpine, McLaren, Racing Bulls, and Ferrari were said to be taking part in the tire test, as the rest of F1 enjoys the summer break. The test began on Monday at the Hungaroring, where the 2026 C3, C4, and C5 compounds were reportedly assessed. Images of Colapinto's wrecked test Alpine A525 were making rounds on social media after the crash, suggesting that the incident occurred at high speed at Turn 11. Newsweek Sports reported Alpine's statement after the incident, which confirmed that the Argentinian driver was safe. It read: "During Day 2 of Pirelli Tyre Testing at the Hungaroring this morning, Franco Colapinto had an incident at Turn 11. Franco was assessed on site at the medical centre and is OK." Franco Colapinto of Argentina driving the (43) Alpine F1 A525 Renault on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 02, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Franco Colapinto of Argentina driving the (43) Alpine F1 A525 Renault on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 02, 2025 in Budapest, the reason for the crash has not been made public, Pirelli has distanced the 2026 tire from potential safety concerns. Pirelli's motorsport head Mario Isola confirmed that there is no connection between the new tires and Colapinto's crash. He said in a statement: "These have been two useful days for making progress with the development of our compounds for next season, given that we are now entering the home straight. "The Hungaroring is a demanding track due to its many slow curves and the amount of energy that goes into the tyres on a lap that is rather short. This makes it a challenging place to test tyres, in particular for the compounds that will be central to the 2026 range – which will go from C1 to C6 like this year. "We have collected a lot of data, although it was a pity that we lost some of our potential mileage today when Colapinto went off the track, even though this was not in any way linked to the tyres. "As for construction, we have verified our final solutions as far as homologation is concerned, ahead of the regulations coming on September 1. By contrast we now have three further test sessions – in Monza, Mugello and Mexico City – to conclude the development of the compounds, whose homologation is due on December 15." F1 enters a new era of regulations in 2026, where cars will feature a new chassis and a new power unit with 50% electrification. To complement the new car's compact size, the 2026 Pirelli tires will be 25 and 30 millimeters thinner at the front and rear.
Newsweek
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Franco Colapinto Suffers Major British GP Qualifying Setback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Alpine driver Franco Colapinto faced a major setback during Q1 of the British Grand Prix qualifying session at Silverstone. The Argentine driver spun out at high speed, causing him to slide into the gravel and clip the barriers. Colapinto lost the rear of his Alpine A525 F1. Restarting the car, he then had to pull over at the pit exit, triggering a red flag when there were 6:49 minutes to go. He said on the radio, "I lost the rears," when interim team principal Flavio Briatore was seen covering his face with his hands. Qualifying in 20th place for Sunday's race, here's what Colapinto said after ending his run: "Yeah, I just lost the rear in the last corner, and I clipped the wall. Franco Colapinto of Argentina driving the (43) Alpine A525 on track spins during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Franco Colapinto of Argentina driving the (43) Alpine A525 on track spins during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom."I'm still struggling. So, a bit of a pity. We started running a lot with the car to improve a bit. "We found a lot of things. I think we can work to make me feel a bit better with the car, closer to Pierre. But of course, we are still far, so we need to do a couple of steps for the next races." When asked if the tricky weather conditions led to the incident, Colapinto said: "There was quite a bit of rain from Turn 15 onwards, and I think that made it a bit... yeah, I don't really know. I didn't see, I just went." He added: "I think I just went on the curb and then the rear... maybe it was a bit— I don't really know. I have to watch." Given his performance concerns in the recent races, he was asked if there were concerns about not being in the car for the next race at Spa Francorchamps. Colapinto said: "I'm not very concerned. Of course, there are always talks, but I just need to keep working and trying to get the team to improve the car. Today was not ideal. We made some good steps." When asked about the setup on his car, the Alpine driver said: "It works with... now, I don't really know at the moment if it's going to work in the race. We'll try to, of course, make some steps forward for the race tomorrow and try to make something happen." Colapinto was the only driver to have spun out during qualifying. Max Verstappen went on to secure pole position for the British Grand Prix, followed by McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in P2 and P3.
