A brief stoppage, rising concerns over Mercedes power, and instant fan reaction. Franco Colapinto’s preseason test incident sparked speculation across the paddock—until a clearer picture finally began to emerge.
The truth has come out about the problems Franco Colapinto had during the first day of preseason testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Although there is little information coming out of the circuit in Barcelona, Spain, it has been revealed that the Argentine driver caused a yellow flag to be raised due to problems with his car.
This situation caused concern among fans about the reliability of the Mercedes engine; however, Motorsport-Total provided an update on what happened with Colapinto.
“There were no engine reliability issues. We now know more about the ‘problem’ Franco Colapinto's car had this morning. The car simply stopped, which is ‘normal’ during preseason. Franco was able to get back on track quickly,” they reported.
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How much did Alpine pay for Franco Colapinto?
The multimillion-dollar payment that Alpine had to make to Williams for the signing of Franco Colapinto for the 2025 Formula 1 season has come to light.
FormulaPassion, a renowned Italian media outlet, revealed the figures behind the Argentine driver's move to the French team: "In the end, the move came when no one expected it: Alpine paid Williams $20 million for Colapinto's signature (Williams, among other things, will thus be able to pay the now certain fine for exceeding the limited budget, also caused by the Argentine).
"It's a $20 million investment, which isn't bad in a world of businessmen where Briatore can easily go to school. It's hard to imagine that Alpine spent so much to keep a driver on the bench.
“Maybe it will take a few races to see Franco back in action, or maybe it will happen like with Alonso (taken back from Minardi in 2001 and made to race for Renault only in 2003) and everything will be postponed until 2026,” they reported.
While the incident itself appears to have been a routine preseason hiccup, the reaction surrounding Franco Colapinto underscores just how much scrutiny now follows the young Argentine. With Alpine investing heavily and the 2026 regulation changes looming, every test lap carries added significance. Whether this moment fades quickly—or becomes an early chapter in a much larger story—will depend on what happens when the pressure truly begins to rise.
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