Tearful Colapinto vows to takes lessons from ‘big mistake’

Franco Colapinto was reduced to tears after the Italian Grand Prix, the Alpine driver ruing a mistake while running in the top four early on that dropped him down the order, but hopes to learn from the experience.

Alpine had enjoyed a special qualifying with Pierre Gasly taking pole position, and on the restart after the early red flag had both cars in the top three when Colapinto got ahead of Max Verstappen. After Verstappen passed him into the second chicane, Colapinto then lost the rear at the first Lesmo and ran through the gravel, demoting him to 16th before a recovery to finish ninth.

“It was a difficult race,” Colapinto said. “A few things and then a big mistake that I just lost the car completely. I don't really understand how I lost it so aggressively. It was a very frustrating mistake.

“It was a great opportunity for me and for the team. We were second and third, and I threw away a nice chance. So I'm very frustrated with myself. Of course, did some good things, but then didn't really put everything together. Should have gotten more points.

“It's a big disappointment. I think when you're there and you feel strong, you want to go forward. So maybe it's not really always worth the fight either, and taking risks for no reason as well is not so smart. So I think on my side, just try to learn from it and move on.

“It's very positive, and that's why I'm frustrated. Because the team gave me a very good car and a very good opportunity. And I didn't make the most of that.”

The frustration was heightened for Colapinto because he felt his own opportunism had put him into a strong position after he predicted the race interruption after seeing Charles Leclerc crash at Parabolica.

“I just used all the battery, because I knew there was going to be a safety car, or I thought... I hoped. So I just used all the battery there and got [by multiple cars] … Yeah, I did some smart things, and some really stupid ones, too! So I guess they balance each other out, but... Learn from it.”

His teammate Gasly took both race starts from the front row but finished seventh as Alpine’s race pace couldn’t compete with the top four teams. However, having fought at the front for the first part of the race and picked up solid points, the Frenchman believes Alpine maximized its potential.

“We've got to be happy,” Gasly said. “We experienced something magical [on Saturday]. And obviously, you want to dream after putting in a pole. And we were all buzzing, etc. But obviously, it's also got to be realistic. And when you're coming into [the race], things will be quite a lot harder for the 54 laps. I'm still very happy.

“The two good starts have been amazing. Battling with the guys at the top has been extremely fun. And for quite a while, I managed to stick to the right train with all the guys. Fighting a bit with Lando [Norris], who won the last two races. It just shows how far we've come in the last few weekends. So, pleased.

“Obviously, waking up [in the] morning, you think, ‘OK, is there going to be more?’ But at the same time, first, best of the midfield and not too far from the cars ahead. So, very positive.

“Still, after this weekend, we still need to go back to the factory and try to understand what the heck happened. Because it definitely came a bit out of nowhere. And I'm sure we have a few ideas of things that probably work better for this package.

“Hopefully, we can take that performance forward. The last 24 hours have been absolutely amazing, so, I want to experience it again. And hopefully, have a bit more pace in the race to stick in that battle.”