Solid and consistent, Alpine confirms its rise in Miami with both cars in Q3. Enough to aim for points… and more if possible.
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The Miami Grand Prix confirms the strong momentum of Alpine F1 Team, which achieves another double presence in Q3, identical to that observed during the sprint race the day before. Franco Colapinto stands out particularly with an eighth place on the grid, thus validating a consistent performance throughout the weekend in Florida.
This consistency clearly establishes the team as the fifth force on the grid, behind the four top teams of the moment. Despite still significant gaps with the leading teams, Alpine capitalizes on its recent progress and confirms that the introduced developments are starting to pay off in conditions of high heat and demanding track.
Colapinto satisfied with his progress
For his part, Franco Colapinto shows real satisfaction after his qualifying performance, while highlighting the work done since the last Grand Prix. The Argentine emphasizes the positive evolution of his feeling in the car and the regained coherence with the new developments.
He explains notably: “I am very satisfied with this result with an eighth place in qualifying, as yesterday in the Sprint Qualifying. Overall, this weekend is going well so far and I am really proud of the team and our performances.”
Colapinto also reflects on the adjustments made after Japan and their direct impact on his current level: “After Japan, we corrected the lack of pace on my side by making several changes that seem to be paying off in Miami. So it is very satisfying to see that everything is coming together.”
However, he regrets an episode in the sprint race: “We lost positions in the first corners of the Sprint. We were stuck by Max [Verstappen], but Lewis [Hamilton] was on the inside, so there was no room for everyone. It’s a shame, but we hope to do better tomorrow.”
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Gasly clear-eyed about a traction problem
Pierre Gasly once again completes the good team result by reaching Q3, even if he has to settle for tenth position. The Frenchman is satisfied with the overall result but acknowledges a lack of individual performance, notably in terms of traction.
He explains bluntly: “Obviously, I can’t be totally disappointed with this day with a point at the Sprint finish, then another appearance in Q3. We are clearly the fifth force on the grid here, but the four leading teams are too far ahead and it was quite a lonely race to go after the last point available.”
Gasly then points out a persistent technical problem: “On my side, something is not working properly and I am still having difficulties with traction. We continue to look into it to better understand.”
Alpine still aiming for points on Sunday
On the management side, Steve Nielsen highlights overall satisfaction while recalling the objectives for the race. The team confirms its status in the midfield but remains clear-eyed about the gap with the leaders.
“It’s a good thing to confirm once again that we have the fifth fastest car in Miami, with our two drivers in the top ten both in the Sprint and qualifying” insists the Alpine manager.
And concludes on the upcoming race: “In any case, we are now focusing on Sunday, with a risk of rain at some point. It could be a potentially very uncertain day, but also full of opportunities.”
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