Young Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto made headlines this week after a high-speed crash at the Hungaroring while testing for Pirelli, the official Formula 1 tyre supplier. Behind the wheel of Alpine's A525 – the team's 2025 test mule – Colapinto lost control at the fast Turn 11, causing significant damage to both the front and rear of the car. The incident brought Pirelli's crucial tyre test to a premature halt, with the car unable to be repaired on site.

Alpine and Colapinto: Quick Recovery After the Crash

Despite the setback, Alpine's testing programme continued with impressive resilience. After the crash, Colapinto was back on track later that day, this time driving the 2023 Alpine A523 as part of a planned 'Testing Previous Car' (TPC) session. His teammate Pierre Gasly also participated, ensuring Alpine maximized the data gathered despite the incident.

Testing Schedule Breakdown

• Day 1: Paul Aron (Alpine), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren) on Pirelli duty
• Day 2: Franco Colapinto (Alpine) scheduled for morning, followed by Pierre Gasly
• After the crash: Colapinto switches to 2023 car for TPC running

The damaged A525 was transported back to Alpine's UK base for a full chassis assessment, with the team facing an upcoming 14-day mandatory summer shutdown.

Pirelli's 2026 F1 Tyre Development: Challenges and Next Steps

Pirelli's tyre development for the dramatic 2026 F1 regulation overhaul is one of the most ambitious in recent years. The new rules, set to debut in 2026, introduce active aerodynamics, more electric power, and a major shift in chassis and tyre design – including front tyres that are 25mm narrower and rears that are 30mm narrower than current specifications. These changes aim to balance performance, durability, and sustainability.

Key Points on Pirelli's Tyre Testing Project

• 2026 cars will have moveable wings and produce 50% of power from hybrid systems
• Pirelli is developing compounds to handle new grip levels and degradation profiles
• Testing is ongoing at various circuits, with further sessions planned at Monza, Mugello, and Mexico City
• Recent tests have involved multiple teams, including Alpine, Ferrari, and McLaren

Despite losing some mileage due to the Alpine crash, Pirelli remains optimistic, having gathered valuable data from three teams on the first day. The next tests, especially at high-altitude Mexico City, will be crucial for understanding how the new compounds handle varying track conditions.

What's Next for Alpine, Pirelli, and F1 Tyres?

While Colapinto's crash was a setback, the rapid response by Alpine and the ongoing commitment from Pirelli highlight the resilience and adaptability of F1 teams and suppliers. Fans can expect more updates as tyre development intensifies ahead of the 2026 season, with Pirelli confirmed as the exclusive supplier until the end of 2027.

For more insights on F1 tyre technology, team developments, and exclusive paddock news, visit our Lets Talk F1 blog.