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Franco Colapinto managed to secure points for Alpine in Shanghai, but he still finds himself in Pierre Gasly’s shadow.
Colapinto had a strange experience at the Chinese Grand Prix, at one point even finding himself in a podium position, owing to a safety car.
And despite a late incident with Esteban Ocon, Colapinto managed to secure P10, as Alpine managed to end a race with both drivers in the points.
The plaudits go to Kimi Antonelli, but who else in the top 10 impressed you at the Chinese Grand Prix?
Let us know in the comments below!
In the previous race, Colapinto managed an incredible save at the start of proceedings in Albert Park, serving as his biggest highlight so far this season.
But there are still concerns, despite his strong performance in Shanghai, that Franco Colapinto is lagging too far behind his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
READ MORE: F1 fans condemn Franco Colapinto after Lewis Hamilton near-miss at Australian Grand Prix
Jolyon Palmer worries Franco Colapinto is still not on Pierre Gasly’s level
On the F1 Nation podcast, Jolyon Palmer spoke about Franco Colapinto’s performance at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Despite facing some challenges, Palmer credited the Alpine driver for doing his best and earning points, even if he is still in the shadow of Pierre Gasly.
“It was good. Again, having the intelligence to use the speed when you needed the speed. He was a bit unlucky as well with the timing of the safety car, because he was running in sixth early on and didn’t get the pit stop because he was on the hard tyre to start.”
“Really good race day from him. Good level of awareness from him. Obviously, he got drilled by Ocon, which cost him a better chance at more points.”
“But his qualifying pace was much better as well. It feels like he’s been chasing it a little bit compared to Pierre, who is still the standout driver for Alpine. But hopefully it gives a little bit of confidence.”
READ MORE: F1 fans think Franco Colapinto’s seat is now in danger after Alpine confirm Alex Dunne signing
Who is the best person to run Alpine in Formula 1: Christian Horner, Toto Wolff or Flavio Briatore?
Franco Colapinto still looking over his shoulder as future concerns persist
Colapinto’s P10 performance will do little to quell the talk about his future with Alpine. It’s been reported that Alpine don’t see Colapinto on Pierre Gasly’s level.
His struggles to compete against his teammate have not done him any favours, as Colapinto is routinely outdone by Gasly.
We know Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, isn’t a patient man. If Colapinto fails to regularly get results, Briatore will not hesitate to let him go.
A failure to deliver results in the first half of the season could see Colapinto out of Alpine by the summer break. The Argentine must do everything in his power to ensure that isn’t the case.
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