F1 – Heavy crash for Franco Colapinto during Pirelli tyre testing in Budapest with Ferrari and Alpine. Franco Colapinto suffered a heavy crash during Pirelli’s Formula 1 tyre testing in Budapest.

Serious crash during the Pirelli tyre tests taking place in Budapest, involving both Scuderia Ferrari and Alpine: young driver Franco Colapinto hit the barriers at Turn 11
Ferrari and Alpine returned to the track in Hungary to carry out important testing sessions for Pirelli, aimed at developing the future Formula 1 tyre compounds. Unfortunately, the day was marked by a serious incident involving young Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. The French team Alpine confirmed that Colapinto made heavy contact with the barriers at Turn 11.

Following the crash, Franco Colapinto was taken to the medical centre for routine checks. Fortunately, initial assessments confirmed that the driver is in good condition. Despite the incident, the test programme has not been suspended. Both Charles Leclerc, driving the Ferrari SF-25, and Pierre Gasly, behind the wheel for Alpine, have continued with the planned testing schedule.

Formula 1 is currently preparing for a major technical overhaul set to take effect in the 2026 season. Not only will the power units and chassis be updated, but the tyres will also undergo significant changes. The new tyre specifications, which will continue to be supplied by Pirelli, are in the process of being homologated. The construction of the tyres must be officially approved by September 1st, while the approval of the compounds is scheduled for December 15th.

Following the current tests in Budapest, three more key sessions are scheduled for the Italian supplier Pirelli. The next test will take place at Monza, followed by another one at the Mugello circuit, and finally, one in Mexico City. Pirelli continues to work closely with the teams in order to find the right balance that can meet the demands of the drivers, engineers, and the FIA – the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.

Pirelli testing: crash in Budapest for Franco Colapinto
After the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, four Formula 1 teams remained at the Hungaroring to take part in Pirelli’s development tests. On Tuesday, the teams participating were McLaren and Racing Bulls. Today, it was the turn of Scuderia Ferrari and Alpine to take to the track.

According to an initial report published by F1 blogger Karol_CyrkF1, it was the Alpine team that was involved in the heavy incident. At the time of the crash, it was Franco Colapinto behind the wheel of the car.

In an official statement, Alpine confirmed the incident and also provided an update on the driver’s condition:
“During the second day of Pirelli tyre testing at the Hungaroring, this morning, Franco Colapinto was involved in an incident at Turn 11. Franco was assessed on site at the medical centre and is in good condition.”