Colapinto embraces first proper F1 off-season ahead of full 2026 campaign

Franco Colapinto is finally experiencing a Formula 1 winter like everyone else. After stepping into cockpits mid-season for Williams in 2024 and Alpine in 2025, the Argentine driver enters the 2026 season with a full off-season of preparation under his belt. This marks a significant shift for the 22-year-old as he gears up for his first full-time campaign with Alpine and their new Mercedes-powered A526.

Why it matters:

Joining a team mid-stream puts a driver on the back foot immediately, lacking physical conditioning, simulator data, and engineering relationships. A proper off-season allows Colapinto to fully integrate with the Enstone outfit, providing the stability needed to extract performance from a brand-new car under fresh regulations. With the grid resetting due to 2026 power unit changes, this preparation time is vital for him to capitalize on the level playing field.

The details:

• Career First: Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams in 2024 and Jack Doohan at Alpine in 2025, meaning he has never started a season from the beginning. The upcoming winter break is his first chance to prepare properly for testing and race one.
• New Era: Friday’s launch of the Alpine A526 was his first experience of an F1 car launch event, underscoring his relative novelty to the sport's formalities despite his racing experience.
• Regulation Reset: The 2026 regulations bring a massive shift as Alpine switches to Mercedes power units. Colapinto noted that the new car is "very different" to anything he has experienced, presenting a learning curve shared by the entire grid.
• Simulator Work: The driver has already spent significant time in the simulator, learning the "new tricks" required to extract performance from the package and feeling like a "real part of the project."

What's next:

Colapinto aims to absorb as much information as possible during the early races to build momentum. While he acknowledges the steep learning curve with the new regulations, he is confident in the team's motivation to be competitive. If he can master the nuances of the A526 quickly, this reset season could be the platform he needs to establish himself as a top-tier talent in Formula 1.