Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto marked himself as one to watch with a career-best P7 finish at the Miami Grand Prix, securing Alpine‘s strongest result this season. The 21-year-old described his weekend as “the most perfect” since his Formula 1 debut.
A breakthrough performance
Colapinto wrote himself into Alpine’s recent history books with a mature drive on Miami’s punishing street circuit. His seventh-place finish represents not just a personal best but the French outfit’s most competitive showing in 2024.
“Since joining F1, this has been my most complete weekend,” an emotional Colapinto admitted. “Everything clicked – we maximised every session and these six points are the result of exceptional teamwork.”
A driver finding his feet
The young Argentine has shown steady improvement throughout the season. After securing P10 in Saturday’s sprint, he backed it up with Sunday’s composed race performance.
Colapinto credited Alpine’s recent technical updates: “The new parts, aero improvements and revised chassis gave me back the feeling I’d been missing. Everything worked perfectly this weekend.”
First-lap contact with Hamilton could have derailed Colapinto’s race before it properly began.
A dramatic opening lap
The race nearly ended prematurely when Colapinto tangled with seven-time champion Hamilton at Turn 11. “We both picked up damage but fortunately nothing terminal,” he explained.
Despite rear-end damage, the rookie kept his composure: “The balance wasn’t perfect but we had enough pace to stay ahead of the midfield. We proved our race rhythm was strong.”
Celebration and perspective
While savouring the result, Colapinto remained grounded: “This performance needs to become our standard. We’ve still got work to close the gap to the front, but Miami shows Alpine’s progress.”
He signed off with characteristic humour, referencing Argentina’s celebratory asados: “Maybe the steaks and Malbec brought me luck! But seriously, this extra motivation proves our hard work is paying off.”
Key takeaways
- Alpine’s best 2024 result courtesy of Colapinto (P7)
- First championship points in a Grand Prix for the Argentine
- Strong performance despite first-lap damage
- Evidence of the French team’s technical progress
- Colapinto cementing his status as 2024’s standout rookie
This Miami breakthrough could prove pivotal for Alpine’s season. If the Enstone squad maintains this form, they may well disrupt the established midfield order in coming races.
