Argentine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto was not present at Alpine's post-season tests in Abu Dhabi, where the teams tested the new tires for the 2026 season. The 22-year-old from Paraná, who will race for the French team next season, did not take part in the tests. The duo was formed by experienced Pierre Gasly, his teammate during the recent 'Maximum' calendar, and Kush Maini, who will compete in his fourth Formula 2 championship next year. Following the tests conducted after the end of the 2025 season, which saw Lando Norris (MccLaren) champion by two points over Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the Frenchman finished in twentieth position, while the Indian finished 22nd out of 25 participants. Likewise, the albiceleste driver was not the only one absent from the Yas Marina Circuit tests, as Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and George Russell (Mercedes) also did not see action. According to information gathered by the Argentine News Agency, the best of the day was American driver Jack Crawford, 20, who was at the wheel of the Aston Martin and finished at the top. Finally, Colapinto put an end to a season in which he failed to score points during the 17 Grands Prix (he replaced Australian Jack Doohan from the eighth race) as his best position was eleventh place, obtained in the Netherlands.
