Franco Colapinto driving Alpine F1 car in Japanese GP free practice at Suzuka Circuit.
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Franco Colapinto completes first free practices at Japanese GP

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Argentine driver Franco Colapinto participated in the first two free practice sessions for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit. The sessions began Thursday at 23:30 Argentina time, with the second following at 3:00 Friday, available on Disney+ and Fox Sports. Alpine rolled out winglet improvements on his car for the weekend.

Following his excited arrival in Japan earlier in the week, Franco Colapinto took to the track for his debut free practices at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, the third round of the 2026 F1 season. The Alpine driver posted on Instagram: 'Dale. Al fin, hola Suzuka. ¡Siempre soñé con correr en Japón! De menos a más. Vamos por un buen finde,' reflecting on his first career point scored in China two weeks ago alongside teammate Pierre Gasly, after a points finish in Australia.

Colapinto is targeting consistent points: 'El safety car dañó un poco nuestra carrera... pero aun así fue positivo ver el rendimiento.' Gasly added on the weekend's significance: 'Creo que llegamos con la mente abierta... Espero que podamos luchar por posiciones similares aquí en Suzuka... Será una prueba para nosotros.'

Alpine's winglet upgrades aim to boost performance across practices, qualifying, and Sunday's race. Colapinto arrived at the paddock Thursday, signing autographs, posing with fans—including a child—and carrying his mate. An Alpine post highlighted a thrilling fan coincidence.

Live coverage continued on Fox Sports and Disney+. The F1 calendar next resumes May 1 in Miami.

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Discussions on X primarily from Argentine media and fans express excitement about Franco Colapinto participating in the first free practices at the Japanese GP in Suzuka, highlighting his first F1 point from China, Alpine's aerodynamic upgrades like winglets, and his enthusiasm for the historic track. Sentiments are overwhelmingly positive with anticipation for strong results, though no post-practice reactions or negative views were prominent.

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Franco Colapinto holds his Argentine flag-adorned helmet beside his Alpine F1 car at Melbourne's Albert Park, preparing for 2026 Australian GP debut.
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Franco Colapinto prepares for 2026 Australian GP debut

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Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season with Alpine at the Australian Grand Prix, starting this Thursday in Melbourne. His helmet features the Argentine flag and team colors, while he shows a nod to Boca Juniors in the lead-up. Formula 1 highlighted expectations for his strong preseason performances.

Franco Colapinto arrives excited in Japan for first GP with Alpine

Argentine driver Franco Colapinto arrived in Japan to contest the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka for the first time, the third race on the calendar. He expressed his excitement saying: “I've always dreamed of it”. Reserve driver Paul Aron toured the circuit from a simulator and highlighted key points to consider.

Franco Colapinto to complete Alpine tests in Bahrain

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Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will participate in both sessions of the Formula 1 preseason tests in Bahrain to conclude his stint with the Alpine team. The official photo of the 2026 F1 pilots was released, showing Colapinto smiling near Checo Pérez and Fernando Alonso. Teammate Pierre Gasly advised him on the initial laps for the second day of testing.

America

Franco Colapinto prepares for Formula 1 exhibition in Buenos Aires

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Haas boss praises Ocon for owning up to Colapinto clash

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Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed pride in Esteban Ocon for taking full responsibility after colliding with Alpine's Franco Colapinto during the Chinese Grand Prix. Ocon apologized directly to his rival and accepted a stewards' penalty, despite facing online death threats. Colapinto recovered to score his first point with Alpine.

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