PART ONE – Lance STROLL (Aston Martin), Franco COLAPINTO (Alpine), Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren)
Q: Franco, if we could start with you please. Welcome back, good to see you again. Just how excited are you to go racing again in Formula 1?
Franco COLAPINTO: Really excited. You know, everything is new again. We start from zero. It wasn’t the nicest to be… after doing the last nine races of last year and then having to step out. It was not what I wanted, but it was a good time to reflect on what happened and to learn from it. So, happy to be back. Of course, it’s never nice circumstances when it happens like this, when you step in another driver’s seat, but you never really choose the moment you do it in Formula 1. I just take it, try to do my best and try to maximise it for the job.
Q: Tell us about your preparation. What have the last 10 days or so been like for you?
FC: There has been a lot of work in the background. Apart from the last couple of days, also before. I’ve been doing a lot of sim work for the team. Of course, not trackside but still helping the team to try to develop the car during race weekends. It has helped me a bit to learn the car, the tools, the different settings the team is running, because I’m not very used to it. It’s quite a big switch from one team to another, so it has been helpful. And then, of course, the prep since it got announced has been very strong. We’ve been doing a lot of things in the sim. So happy. It’s been a really long time since I’ve been in a race weekend. A bit rusty maybe, but I think it’s going to come off very quickly.
Q: Franco, a long time since you’ve been at a race weekend. But when was the last time you drove a Formula 1 car? Has there been any TPC running or was it Abu Dhabi?
FC: I drove the day after it was announced, in Zandvoort. So I think it was one day before you guys were there. A lot of fans, it wasn’t really a private test.
Q: How was the neck?
FC: It was OK. Still getting kind of used to it. The body had to adjust. So it was tricky at the start, but it just takes a while. Imola is a tough track physically. It’s not like my start in Monza, which is the easiest one of the year. But it’s great to be back. It’s great that it happens in Italy as well. I have really good memories here and in Monza too. So yeah, excited about the weekend.
Q: What are your goals for this weekend?
FC: I think just try to focus on myself. It’s very tricky to have any expectations. I haven’t even driven the car yet, so lots of things to learn. But I think we are doing the right steps and if we go little by little, I think I’m going to arrive to a decent place.
Q: Thank you very much, Franco. Lance, if we could come to you now. You’ve finished in the points here at Imola for the last three visits. You were unbeatable here in Formula 3 as well. Just tell us the secrets of Imola. You clearly go very well here.
Lance STROLL: Yeah. I mean, it’s a track I just always enjoy coming back to. It’s got great character. It’s one of those old-school tracks. It’s just fun to drive and somewhere I’ve always enjoyed racing, so it’s good to be back.
Q: Talk to us about the season now. There were those points finishes in the first two races. Obviously the Sprint went well in Miami last time out as well, but it’s been tougher going both for you and Aston Martin these past few races. What are the limitations of this car?
LS: We just need to find more speed, more performance. We picked up a few points in Miami, which was good, but it was just circumstance, with the rain and stuff in the Sprint, so we took advantage of that. But we’re not in a position to score points every weekend just on pure pace. We need to look for performance in all areas and just keep pushing.
Q: Performance in all areas, but if we were to compare this year’s car with last year’s car, where is it?
LS: I just don’t think it’s too different. We just haven’t made progress. It’s just kind of the same.
Q: Is it more difficult to drive, the 2024 car?
LS: No, it’s not. It’s just the same. But if you’re not putting a lot of lap time on the car every week and developing the car, then you just kind of fall backwards. I think that’s where we’ve ended up. We’re just not putting the lap time on the car that we hope to be putting and that’s why we’re in a tricky spot right now.
Q: Are all the issues track specific or can we be hopeful for Imola this weekend? We’ve already discussed how much you like the track.
LS: Yeah, I think naturally there are tracks that suit the car better than others. But we’ve been to a lot of different kinds of tracks this year and we haven’t been extremely competitive at any of them. So yeah, we’ll see how we go this weekend.
Q: Thank you. Oscar, we’ll come to you now. You took the scenic route to Imola yesterday. You went via Brisighella to collect your Lorenzo Bandini Award. Just tell us about that.
Oscar PIASTRI: It was very cool. Definitely an experience that I probably won’t have again. It was a special day, obviously a real honour to receive the award, but even more so than that, just seeing some of the really passionate Italian fans. Considering I don’t drive for the team in red, it was impressive to see how many people were there. Also, to meet some of my now very, very distant relatives, from where my family name originated, was very special. I’m now an honorary citizen of Licciana Nardi in Italy, which is where my great, great – maybe great – grandfather was from. So it was a special day. Another home race. Another one!
Q: Let’s bring it on track. You’ve won four of the opening six. Just how much are you enjoying the ride at the moment?
OP: I mean, it’s pretty hard to say that I’m not. When you’ve won four out of six, it’s been a great start. I’ve been enjoying the success we’ve been having on track, but for me what’s been very satisfying is all the work we’ve done behind the scenes to achieve that. It’s quite a different feeling when you win a race because you feel like you’ve just gotten by or had good circumstances. But to now be winning because we have an incredibly quick car and I feel like I’m driving well, that’s very satisfying. Of course, I’ve been enjoying standing on the podium as well. But more so the hard work behind the success.
Q: On the Sunday of Miami, you were 37 seconds ahead of the first non-McLaren. Can you explain to us why the gap was so big? Was that the first time this year that you’ve unleashed the true potential of the car?
OP: I think we saw a similar thing in Melbourne in the wet conditions, but Miami was potentially a circuit we were looking forward to from pretty early on. With the hotter temperatures, given some of the sessions we’d had earlier in the season, we thought that might play more to our strengths. And I think Sunday in Miami proved that. I’m not expecting that to be the case every weekend. I would love that to be the case, but in those hotter conditions and that circuit characteristic, it worked well for us. I think it’ll be difficult to repeat that consistently. We’ll see what we can do.
Q: Repeat that result here in Imola?
OP: I don’t know. We’ve got very soft tyres this weekend, so maybe that will help us. But it’s a lot cooler than it was in Miami. The track is also incredibly different – much bumpier, much higher speeds in general. I expect the competition to be closer than it was in Miami. We saw in qualifying that the competition was on our heels and ahead of us. So we still have to make sure we go out and execute everything as well as we can, because if we fall through a little bit, then we’ve got plenty of competition that can beat us.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports) Welcome back, Franco. Can you explain to us why it says it’s five races you’re back for initially? And what kind of targets or guidance have the team given you so that you can extend that to at least the end of the season?
FC: I think as a driver, I’m just trying to go step by step. I don’t really know the car, so a lot of new things coming and I just want to do the basics right and then the results are going to come. I’m not really expecting any kind of result. The performance of the teams is so tight and it changes from track to track. At the end, in FP1 and FP2 we don’t really have a clear view of where we are at. We’re still working a lot with the team. The main goal is to make the car quicker as well. We need to find a lot of performance, and I think that’s going to come with a lot of work from everyone. So that’s the main goal – to try and improve the performance and then of course, after these five races, we’ll see.
Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sports Italy) A question to Oscar. You’ve already won four races. Do you feel you can run away with this World Championship? Do you feel you have the strength to do it?
OP: I mean, I think we have the strengths and characteristics to keep winning races, definitely. I think we’ve seen at various tracks that the competition is close. I’m not expecting every weekend to look like Sunday did in Miami. Friday and Saturday in Miami didn’t look as good as Sunday, that’s for sure. So I think there will be a lot of competition, but I feel like I’m driving well at the moment. I feel like the team’s doing a really good job helping me get the most out of myself, get the most out of the car. Clearly the car is very strong. So yeah, I think we have the potential to have a really good year, but I’m not too concerned about that at the moment — just trying to win more races.
Q: (Harry Benjamin – Sky Sports F1) Question to Oscar, and actually all of you if you want to speak on it. I’m going to bring up the update to the swearing penalty — the race ban has been removed and the fines are cut in half. Do you feel like you’re being heard by the FIA? Are you pleased to see some movement around this?
OP: I think the fact that there have been changes made is good. Also, the things in fine print, the stewards have a lot more control now, which I think is a good thing because the circumstances definitely need to be taken into account. So I think it’s a good step forward. That’s all I’ve got. I think one of the big things for the FIA was putting something in for abusing officials, which I think is very fair and reasonable. I think maybe some of the other areas got a bit caught up in that sentiment and felt a bit harsh. But I think there are some genuine reasons behind what they’re doing. I think they’ve listened to some of our feedback and the changes are in the right direction.
Q: Lance, can we bring you in on that?
LS: Yeah, I agree with everything Oscar said. I think he summed it up well.
Q: Franco?
FC: I agree as well. I guess it’s good they are hearing them, because they have been in for a while.
Q: (Panagiotis Seitanidis – Ant1 TV) Question for Oscar. It seems McLaren is the team to beat and are the favourites, how important for the intra-team battle to have the edge over Lando in the standings and the results at the beginning of the season? How much does it change the dynamics within the team?
OP: I don’t think it changes very much to be honest. Obviously you want to have the edge at the end of the season — that’s where it’s most important. For me at the moment, the results have been a good confidence boost for myself, so that’s always important. If we have competition outside McLaren, there are benefits to being first — like with pit stops and strategy. If you’re ahead in anything, there are always advantages. But in terms of the mentality and feeling in the team, we’re still trying as hard as we can to beat all the other teams — and also each other. I think that’s going to remain the same for the rest of the year.
Q: (Nelson Vakenburg – ViaPlay) Question for all three of you. The circuit of Imola is a bit under pressure and maybe on the chopping block. How sad would it be to lose this track on the F1 calendar?
LS: Yeah, I mean, I enjoy coming here. There are a few tracks on the calendar that are very historical and great to drive. This is one of them. It would suck to lose it. But we have 25 races and a lot of countries want races. It’s tough to squeeze them all in. Hopefully this one stays — I like coming here.
FC: I love Imola. I love Italy. I have some great memories and great history here. I started in Monza — that was my debut in Formula 1 — and now it’s Imola. Still in Italy, but with Alpine. I love Imola. It’s a great track with massive history in Formula 1. I think we all like coming here. The history this brings to the sport, it’s a great track, and especially to drive a Formula 1 car here. There are specific corners — it’s such an old-school track, it’s very enjoyable to drive. So yeah, I’m going to try to enjoy this weekend and hopefully it stays.
OP: Yeah, I mean it’s a great circuit. I’ve only raced here once, but it’s definitely towards the top end of my favourites. I think having two races in the same country, with how many bids we have from around the world, maybe doesn’t make that much sense anymore. And when you have Monza as your second race in Italy… it’s pretty hard not to go to Monza. I think there’d be some riots if we didn’t! So for me, we just need to be careful to preserve the history. Zandvoort is going, Spa is going to be on rotation, which I’m not the happiest about. We just need to be careful not to lose these historical tracks. OK, maybe it’s not the best track to race on — not the best for overtaking — but in terms of the ultimate experience of driving an F1 car, this is at the top of the list. We need to be mindful of that.
Q: (Tom Slafer – DAZN Spain) Question for Franco. From what you said earlier, it was not ideal to not start the season with the team. But it’s not a new situation for you. Last year you were quick right from the start. Has your approach changed since then, or did you learn something that you’re applying now?
FC: I don’t really think it’s such a new thing. I’m much more relaxed. I’ve had the experience of racing, I’ve had the experience of being in a race weekend with a different team. I still have that feeling — I’ve been racing in December, so it’s not that far away. It doesn’t feel the same as Monza. Monza was massive excitement, everything was new, it was the first time I was going to be part of a Formula 1 grid. Here it feels a bit different. It’s still my dream come true— so the feelings are the same — but now I want to work with the team. It’s not only about the dream of becoming an F1 driver, it’s about working towards the team’s goals. Getting good results, being consistent in the points — that’s what we want to achieve. So yeah, let’s focus on the job and see what we can do.
Q: (Fred Feret – l’Equipe) Question to Franco. As an Argentinian, how tough is it to work for a French team and how different is Williams from Alpine?
FC: For me it’s great. Look, I love Alpine. I think Renault and Alpine have a massive history, a big legacy in the sport. And yeah, I think it’s a great step in my career as well to be racing for them. It’s tricky—after the World Cup, some sparks are there, but it’s more from the French towards Argentina. We are fine with them, we beat them, so we are OK. Look, I’m really happy here. I’m in a happy place and have a really good relationship with the engineers, with the mechanics. Everyone around the team has been very supportive and I’m really happy to be here. So excited to start the work. Of course, new faces, new names, everything on the set-up, on the settings, everything is new and different. So we need to adjust to it, but I’m sure we’re going to do a good job.
Q: (Ian Parkes – RacingNews365) Another question for yourself, Franco. Speaking to a number of the other drivers across the media sessions this morning, they’ve naturally described the decision taken to get rid of Jack and bring yourself in as harsh. But additionally, they’ve also said that giving you only five races is harsh. How do you feel about that—just five races? What was your reaction when you were told you only had five races? And the drivers have also said that given only five races, there might be a tendency to overdrive, to make mistakes. How do you go about trying to avoid that?
FC: I don’t know. We’ll see once I drive. But you know, I have a great opportunity ahead. I’m happy to be in F1. I don’t even think in terms of five races—I’m just in a happy place and I’m dealing with it very well. I think at the moment I just want to get back in the seat and drive. And of course, after you heard Carlos—especially Carlos—saying that he needs like 10 races to get used to a car, I think five is not enough for me. I’ve only driven nine in my life in F1. So yeah, it probably takes me a few more races, probably a couple more than five to get up to speed and maximise everything out of the car. But it is what I have and I just want to maximize it, enjoy it and try to do the best for the team.
Q: (Adam Cooper – Adamcooperf1.com) Question for Oscar. You obviously know Jack very well. You were in the academy together. Just wanted your thoughts on his situation and also maybe can you compare it with your early days at McLaren when you had a level of support that maybe was a bit lacking for him in the last few months?
OP: I mean, it’s a tough situation all round. Obviously it was a short time in F1 for Jack. Franco is coming in with these five races, which is also not an easy circumstance to come back into F1. Yeah, I think it’s a tough situation. For Jack, he can be proud of what he’s achieved. He still became an F1 driver, and no one can take that away from him. It’s a difficult situation, but it’s not really for me to comment on now.
Q: (Shana Lutgert – F1Maximaal.nl) Question for Oscar. After Miami, your car has been cleared of any tricks and allegations regarding the tyres that have been going around in the paddock, especially with the water theory. How did you feel when you read about them or heard about them? And what do you have to say now for those who are coming up with any allegations?
OP: I honestly haven’t read anything because I’ve not been concerned. Maybe next time we’ll put some little figurines in a water slide as well —I don’t know—we’ll come up with something. But clearly it’s all been passed. I had no concerns. Play on.
Q: (Alejandro Alonso Lopez – Diariomotor.com). Question to Oscar. Earlier you said that you have obviously a very quick car but also you are driving very well this year. Is there something different you are doing in your preparation, or anything from last year that has allowed you to step up your game? And also, does being in an F1 title hunt change things compared to the title hunts you had in previous years?
OP: I think the preparation is mostly the same. Through the year and especially at the end of the season, you always reflect on the things you can improve and do better. It’s just been about how you do things more efficiently. How you take the next step up in your preparation. But it’s not as simple as doing 60 laps on the simulator instead of 50 or spending one more hour somewhere. It’s mostly been the same, just we’ve been working very well. Experience naturally helps. Some of the things that you have to concentrate on become more natural, so you’re constantly learning and that experience definitely helps. But the preparation has mostly been the same. We’ve just been trying to find those little bits in every column. There hasn’t been one big change—just trying to find little bits everywhere.
Q: (Filip Cleeren – Motorsport.com) For Franco. Welcome back. Last year, your debut was quite unexpected. Whereas now it seems like the entire country of Argentina was screaming and clamouring for you to be in the car as soon as possible. How have you dealt with the attention of the past couple of months? Did part of you enjoy all the attention and everything that was happening on social media, or have you tried to block it out and focus on getting ready?
FC: Same as last year. I think it was even worse last season. You know, the Argentinian fans and I think Latin American fans—they are very passionate, very euphoric and they love supporting their athletes and people that they feel close to them. They’ve always been there and they’ve always been very supportive. But yeah, I think we always try to keep the respect for all the drivers on the grid—that’s the main thing the fans should do and something to improve on. At the end it’s the same. I had to manage this last year. I had a bit of time to read some stuff and now I’m racing and everything is deleted again. So yeah, focus here.
Q: (Bernardo Castro – GrandePrêmio.com.br) Franco, when you raced last year, you already knew that you didn’t have a seat for 2025. But now, you know it’s a different situation, and there’s the opportunity to stay on the grid in 2025 and beyond. Is there a kind of extra pressure in this situation and how do you deal with it?
FC: Last year everything was new and it was very tricky to take in all the information. I think now I’m only six races behind everyone that has been racing already—evolution-wise, tyre-related, I just don’t have the knowledge of those first six races. But I’m much closer than last year. Last year I had zero experience. I hadn’t had any testing. I just had 300k of running in an F1 car before I drove in Monza. It was much trickier. I think I felt more pressure there, just because everything was new. This year, just having that extra experience, having that knowledge of having already raced in Formula 1 is going to help me a bit. So yeah, hopefully it does. Yeah, just can’t wait to jump in the car.
