Argentine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto delivered the finest result of his career at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, climbing to seventh place after a post-race time penalty was handed to Charles Leclerc — capping a remarkable week that began with a meeting with his childhood idol, Lionel Messi.
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Messi Meets His Country’s Next Sporting Hope
Before lights out on Sunday, Colapinto visited Inter Miami’s training ground and handed Messi a signed helmet. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner later walked into the Miami paddock — not to Alpine’s garage, but to Mercedes — before seeking out Colapinto for a now-iconic embrace. “It was something I had dreamt of all my life,” said the 22-year-old Alpine driver. “If you ask any Argentine who they want to meet, it’s Leo.”
From Buenos Aires Streets to Miami Points
Colapinto arrived in Florida on a wave of national momentum after Alpine’s show run through the streets of Buenos Aires — the first time an Argentine had driven a Formula 1 car on home soil in a generation. He started the Miami race from eighth on the grid, survived early contact with Lewis Hamilton, and pitted on lap 31 for hard tyres. He went on to set his fastest lap of the race — a 1:33.035 — outpacing several cars ahead of him before crossing the line eighth. Leclerc’s 20-second time penalty elevated Colapinto to seventh.
Briatore Sends a Clear Message
Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore offered measured but pointed praise. “Franco has rounded off a really good week where he has performed at the level we expect at every race weekend,” he said, adding that consistency from both drivers would be required every round. The subtext was clear: the seat is not unconditional. Colapinto, however, appears to be rising to the challenge at precisely the right moment.
▶ Watch the full story of Colapinto’s breakthrough Miami weekend:
Franco Colapinto, Lionel Messi, Flavio Briatore, Charles Leclerc, Formula 1, Alpine F1, F1 2026, Miami Grand Prix 2026, Formula 1 News, F1 Driver, Argentine F1
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