The F1 Monaco GP result for Franco Colapinto was a reflection of patience and execution. The Argentine driver started P18 in Monte Carlo and quietly moved up to finish 13th — a gain that came through clean driving, race attrition, and strategy rather than overtakes.
Colapinto reflects on 2025 F1 Monaco GP: “Not a lot of fun”
Starting from 18th on the grid, Colapinto’s main objective was simple: survive, avoid mistakes, and make the most of Monaco’s attrition-heavy layout. Though he gained five places by the chequered flag, the race left him feeling rather underwhelmed behind the wheel.
“Yeah, I don’t know if pleased. It was like going out for a Sunday drive. It’s not a lot of fun out there today, but we were driving very slow, very far off the pace. It’s still Monaco, you know, so a lot of things can happen, but I think we did.”
Colapinto’s comments paint a clear picture of Monaco’s notorious difficulty: not just in overtaking, but in simply staying alert during long, processional stints. Despite a steady pace and lack of drama, the Argentine capitalised on race developments to gain ground in the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
Franco Colapinto’s Climb from P20 to P13 at the 2025 F1 Monaco GP
Despite the monotony, Colapinto was one of the biggest movers of the day, gaining seven positions — largely thanks to retirements, penalties, and strategy rather than overtaking.
“Yes, true. I mean, after qualifying in P20, it’s super positive to finish in P13. It’s the best we could have done. I think P12 maybe was possible, but to be honest, overall it was a decent race for us.”
The Alpine driver revealed that the team’s initial tyre strategy was designed to aid Pierre Gasly, who ultimately retired early. That pivot in plans left Colapinto leading their internal charge — and managing his own two-stop strategy to solid effect.
“We just started on the wrong tyre to try and help Pierre, but unfortunately Pierre’s race was not very long. So then we became the first car and I tried to do the best strategy possible… I think we managed the situation well.”
Mandatory two-stop strategy fails to spark excitement
This year’s Monaco GP introduced a mandatory two-stop rule aimed at spicing up strategy and creating windows for position changes. However, Franco Colapinto’s Monaco Grand Prix 2025 experience didn’t benefit much from the new regulation.
“It’s difficult to say. I think it’s my first Monaco, so probably the comparison is more for the other drivers. Just on my side, it was very boring to be driving five seconds off the pace at some points of the race.”
Despite the intended shake-up, many drivers — Colapinto included — found themselves stuck in extended queues. The Alpine driver was baffled by how quickly he caught traffic again after pitting.
“I pit and literally three laps after I was back in the queue again. I was like, ‘how did I catch him already?’ But it’s literally the pace was so slow at some points in the race that it makes it a bit boring for the drivers.”
Franco Colapinto’s clean Monaco weekend and lessons learned
Though Colapinto didn’t score points, he completed Monaco cleanly — something that cannot be said for several of his more experienced peers. The rookie was quick to recognise the positives in a weekend that tested his limits.
“Yes, no damage, which is positive. Better than Imola, also better finish position than Imola. So, I think it was positive.”
Still, he acknowledged the difficulties of feeling connected to the car on such a complex track as Alpine struggled for ride quality as explained by Pierre Gasly.
“We really struggled to find the confidence with the car… the car was already disconnected. So, we just tried to work hard to try and maximise what we were doing over there, but it was always going to be tricky.”
Monaco: The toughest test for a rookie
Colapinto didn’t hide the reality of debuting with a new team at the most demanding circuit on the calendar.
“I think Monaco is the toughest track of the calendar. And, you know, it’s not a nice track to do one of your debuts with the team. It was never going to be easy. The car was also not easy to drive, so nothing really helped.”
Despite that, he walks away with the sense that he extracted everything possible.
“Honestly, the most positive thing is that we maximised the car, we took the maximum out of a tough weekend and that’s what it’s all about.”
Looking ahead to Barcelona
Following the Monaco Grand Prix 2025 experience, the Argentine remains on no points.
With the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offering better overtaking opportunities and a more balanced layout, the Alpine driver is hopeful.
“So yeah, we’ll be stronger in Barcelona.”
