Colapinto out of FP1 in Hungary: Estonian Aron takes his car due to regulations

Formula 1 landed at the Hungaroring circuit, on the outskirts of Budapest, for the last round of the first stage of the 2026 season. This Friday’s session brings a notable novelty for Argentine motorsport in the top category: Franco Colapinto does not participate in the first free practice session (FP1). The Alpine team, complying with the regulation that requires teams to hand over their cars to young drivers on two occasions per season, designated Estonian Paul Aron to take the wheel of the Argentine’s vehicle in this first instance. This is the first of four times the team will implement this mandatory rotation during the current calendar.

The official schedule for the Hungarian Grand Prix marks the start of official activity this Friday, with FP1 at 08:30 and the second practice (FP2), where Colapinto will retake his seat, scheduled for 12:00. Action continues tomorrow Saturday with FP3 at 07:30 and the qualifying session starting at 11:00, while the main race will take place on Sunday from 10:00.

Beyond the track, the Argentine driver captured media attention by reflecting on the recent 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Alongside Spaniards Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Colapinto expressed his discomfort regarding what the match left: «It seemed like a war between one country and another; I don’t like seeing that,» he said with concern. The driver delved into his analysis of the impact of the king of sports: «They are two countries that have always been very united, and it was a great final for Latinos. Having a final between two Spanish-speaking countries was incredible, but then it creates all these differences. The things that a sport like football creates, now they seem like bitter enemies. With Messi playing for Barcelona, he gave Spain so many happy moments, and it ended up being quite bad and it seemed like a war between one country and another.»

The sportsman also criticized the manifestations of hatred observed among fans. «Football, being the most watched sport in the world, it’s not pleasant to see and show that. Luckily, it didn’t burn, God’s shirt doesn’t burn! In general, it wasn’t very pleasant to watch. Football creates these kinds of things that F1 doesn’t create, and I don’t like that. But yes, deserved winners. I hope they are a bit more creative with the songs for the next World Cup. It’s a bit boring,» the driver concluded after evaluating the events with a critical tone. The transition to the demands of the Hungaroring circuit will now be the absolute focus for the team.

Additionally, before the practice sessions for the Hungarian GP, Max Verstappen continued not to reveal his future in the Red Bull hospitality, but reiterated his love for his team, which brought him to the Formula 1 circus and made him a four-time world champion: «This team is like a second family to me and I just try to understand our car better and better and, of course, win races again,» he stated. «We have been very close during a race weekend and, obviously, I hope it doesn’t stay just that weekend. But, as I said before, it’s clear we are on an upward trajectory. And that is very positive,» he added.

Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality

These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the National Team. All with 12 interest-free installments:

• Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
• Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
• Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)

Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.