Qualifying results of F1 today: how Franco Colapinto fared
Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto had a strong performance in the F1 qualifying session, finishing just short of advancing to Q3 in the Chinese Grand Prix.
Franco Colapinto, the Argentinian F1 driver, competed in his second qualifying session of the 2026 season early Saturday morning, Argentina time. He successfully advanced past Q1, where six out of the 22 drivers are eliminated, and he came very close to making it to Q3, finishing just five thousandths of a second short. Colapinto's best time was 1:33.357, placing him 12th on the grid for the upcoming race scheduled for Sunday at 4 AM Argentine time.
During this qualifying session, the Mercedes drivers showcased impressive performance, while teams like Ferrari had a moment of hope when George Russell experienced a gearbox issue during Q3. Despite his challenge, Russell managed to return to the pits. The session highlighted Colapinto's potential in a competitive field and underscored the rising excitement surrounding the F1 season as teams and drivers strive for better results.
The implications of his performance are significant for Colapinto's young career, as achieving a top position in qualifying can contribute to improved starting positions in races, thereby enhancing his visibility and opportunities for future races. The support from his team, coupled with his own determination, could lead to further successes both in this season and beyond.