Franco Colapinto steps aside at Alpine for F1 debutant in Mexico FP1

Franco Colapinto will sit out FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Alpine junior Gabriele Mini making his F1 debut at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The Italian driver sits fourth in the F2 standings, just behind Alex Dunne, who is also part of Team Enstone's academy programme.

It marks the second time Colapinto has stepped aside for a free practice session in 2026, completing his FIA-mandated requirements for rookie drivers. Pierre Gasly in the other A526 still has one more session to surrender his car for.

Speaking ahead of the weekend in Mexico City, Mini said: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A526 and taking part in my first ever Free Practice 1 in Formula 1.

"Having been part of the Alpine Academy for several years and progressing through the junior ranks, competing in an official Formula 1 session is going to be a really special moment for me.

"Thank you to Flavio, Steve and everyone at the team for their trust and for the opportunity. I've been doing a lot of preparation back at base in Enstone, spending time on the simulator and working closely with the engineers to make sure I'm as ready as possible and able to put my best foot forward both personally and for the team.

"My goal is to do the best possible job on track and help provide valuable data and feedback to the team to hopefully set up a successful weekend, where both Pierre and Franco aim to score points by the end of it."

Mini will be joined by Freddie Slater, Jak Crawford, Luke Browning, Fred Vesti and Ayumu Iwasa in FP1, with Mexico City a popular venue for rookies to deputise.