Franco Colapinto to Miss First Practice Session at Mexico City Grand Prix
Alpine confirmó que Gabriele Minì reemplazará a Franco Colapinto durante la primera sesión de entrenamientos del Gran Premio de México 2026.
The Mexico City Grand Prix will get off to a different start for Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver will have to watch the opening practice session from the garage after Alpine confirmed that one of its academy prospects will take over his car.
The chosen driver is Gabriele Minì, a 21-year-old Italian who will have the opportunity to participate in an official Formula 1 practice session for the first time.
The decision is not related to physical problems or a penalty imposed on Colapinto. Instead, it is part of the championship's regulations, which require teams to provide opportunities for rookie drivers during designated free practice sessions.
As a result, Minì will drive the A526 during Friday's FP1 session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, while the Argentine will return to his seat for the second practice session.
Who Is Gabriele Minì, Colapinto's Replacement?
Although he has yet to make his debut in an official Formula 1 practice session, Gabriele Minì has spent several years preparing for his opportunity at the highest level of motorsport.
The Italian has been part of the Alpine Academy since 2023 and currently competes in Formula 2, where he sits fourth in the championship standings with two victories and seven additional podium finishes.
He also has experience driving Formula 1 machinery, having participated in private testing sessions with the previous season's A525.
His preparation has included simulator work and meetings with engineers at the team's Enstone headquarters.
In statements released by Alpine, Minì acknowledged that taking part in his first official practice session represents a special moment in his career.
The Italian also explained that his main objective will be to collect valuable information to help the team improve its cars' setup throughout the rest of the weekend.
Franco Colapinto Looks to Bounce Back After Austin
For Franco Colapinto, the challenge will be to make the most of his limited track time once he returns to the cockpit.
The Argentine arrives in Mexico following a difficult United States Grand Prix, where he was forced to retire after his car sustained damage during an incident in the early stages of the race.
He will now look to put that frustration behind him and regain his competitiveness at a circuit that presents unique challenges because of its high altitude.
The second free practice session is scheduled to begin on Friday at 4:00 p.m. Mexico City time and will mark Colapinto's first opportunity to drive during the weekend.
Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly will continue with the team's regular preparation program as Alpine aims to secure points with both drivers on Sunday.
Key Takeaways About Colapinto and the Mexico City Grand Prix
- Franco Colapinto will miss FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix but will return to the cockpit for the second practice session.
- Gabriele Minì, a member of the Alpine Academy, will make his official Formula 1 practice debut behind the wheel of the A526.
- The decision is part of the mandatory rookie practice sessions and does not represent a penalty for the Argentine driver.
