Colapinto to Start Qatar GP from Pit Lane After Setup Changes

Franco Colapinto will start the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix from the pit lane, marking the second consecutive day he will do so at the Losail International Circuit. Alpine made changes to his car's setup under Parc Ferm\u00e9 conditions, necessitating the pit lane start.

Why it matters:

This pit lane start significantly impacts Colapinto's race, forcing him to navigate the field from the very back. For a young driver, starting from the pit lane presents a monumental challenge, especially after already doing so in the Sprint race. It underscores the team's ongoing efforts to optimize his car's performance, even if it comes with immediate grid penalties, highlighting their pursuit of a better race package despite the initial disadvantage.

The Details:

• Pit Lane Start: Franco Colapinto will commence the Qatar Grand Prix from the pit lane. This is his second pit lane start in a row at the Losail International Circuit, following a similar situation in the Sprint race.
• Parc Ferm\u00e9 Breaches: The pit lane start is a direct consequence of Alpine making adjustments to Colapinto's car under Parc Ferm\u00e9 conditions. These rules are in place to prevent teams from making significant changes between qualifying and the race, ensuring a level playing field.
• Qualifying Performance: Colapinto qualified 20th on Saturday, indicating a struggle with outright pace, which might have prompted the team's decision to alter the setup in an attempt to improve his race performance.

The big picture:

For Colapinto, these back-to-back pit lane starts represent a challenging weekend. While Alpine's decision to make setup changes suggests they are trying to find an optimal configuration for his car, it also means he faces an uphill battle to make progress in the race. This scenario is a crucial learning experience for the young Argentinian driver, testing his ability to manage strategy and overtakes from a compromised starting position. It also reflects Alpine's broader strategy to extract every ounce of performance, even if it means sacrificing grid position.

What's next:

Colapinto will focus on a damage limitation strategy, aiming to gain positions and gather crucial data for Alpine. His ability to navigate the field and demonstrate consistent pace will be key. The team will analyze the impact of the setup changes post-race to assess if the modifications provided any tangible benefits despite the grid penalty, guiding their future development decisions.