Recent buzz surrounded Franco Colapinto’s performance during a private Formula 1 test at Monza, organized by Alpine. Speculation suggested that Colapinto, in a run identical to his fellow Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron, recorded lap times significantly faster than Aron’s. This comes amid ongoing discussions about Jack Doohan’s future following his dramatic crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.
During the Monza test, Colapinto drove the 2023 Alpine A523, taking over from Paul Aron who had previously been on track. Reports from Motorsport.com claimed that Colapinto clocked lap times half a second quicker than Aron, and was seven tenths faster during their subsequent race simulations. However, industry insiders express skepticism about these figures, emphasizing the inherent complexities of private testing. Factors like engine settings, track conditions, and environmental variables can heavily skew performance comparisons, making it nearly impossible to draw concrete conclusions based on raw lap times alone.
Despite the rumors, Aron’s performance has reportedly impressed Alpine’s management. Heading into the 2025 season, Aron is slated for several FP1 appearances, a testament to his standing within the team. His 2024 campaign in Formula 2 saw him secure a victory and multiple podium finishes, marking him as a standout rookie and drawing praise from the likes of Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes.
Oakes, who once oversaw Aron’s progress as part of the Mercedes Junior Team, spoke highly of the Estonian driver’s resilience and talent. Describing Aron’s journey from being dropped by Mercedes to challenging for the F2 championship, Oakes highlighted Aron’s mental fortitude and potential for growth. His admiration for Aron’s abilities suggests a bright future despite the recent rumors swirling around the Monza test.
Meanwhile, Jack Doohan’s recent crash at Suzuka has thrown further uncertainty into Alpine’s driver lineup. Fortunately, Doohan was unscathed in the 180mph incident, attributed to a DRS miscalculation, and managed to recover somewhat over the race weekend. His ability to climb from P19 to P15 demonstrated resilience, yet the crash has fueled chatter about his and Colapinto’s roles within the team.
As Franco Colapinto’s Monza test performance continues to be a topic of discussion, it’s clear that private test results should be approached with caution due to numerous influencing factors. While Aron’s performance has earned him praise and further opportunities, Doohan’s recent challenges underline the unpredictable nature of motorsport. Observers will be looking closely at Alpine’s strategic decisions regarding their reserve drivers in the coming season.
