26/08/2025
NEWS STORY
BWT Alpine Formula One Team returns to action at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort for Round 15 of the FIA Formula One World Championship. After the summer break, drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are raring to get back on track at the famous Dutch circuit.
Following the mandatory shutdown, Formula One regroups at the North Holland coast to begin the second half of the season. The old-school Circuit Zandvoort snakes through the Dutch sand dunes - hence the circuit's name - through fast banked corners, notably the opening Tarzan corner as well as Turns 3 [Hugenholz] and 14 [Arie Luyendijk]. The challenging circuit was the site of Pierre's debut podium with the team when he finished an excellent third in wet-dry conditions; similar weather to that famous day is on the cards this weekend.
Pierre Gasly: "I've really loved having some time to relax during the summer break. I spent time with my family and friends - and dog - in Portugal and I was able to switch off and enjoy myself. The break was very much needed as it has been a really busy and challenging season so far. I know everyone at the team has been feeling the same way and hopefully everyone could enjoy some time to unwind. We are all motivated as we get ready to take on the last 10 races of the season in the best frame of mind. That starts this weekend in Zandvoort, a circuit I really enjoy. It's very old-school with tight yet fast corners and the banking makes it unique and quite thrilling. I have special memories of my race there in 2023 which was my first podium with the team, and I've gone well at the circuit throughout my career, scoring points last year too. We're aiming for a promising result this weekend which we can use to kick-start the final leg of the season. I'm ready to get back racing, let's go."
Franco Colapinto: "I had a fantastic time over the summer break. I was able to spend some quality time with family and friends, enjoying the weather in the Mediterranean. I also focused a lot on my training and fitness and I am ready to get back out on track to kick off the second half of the season. The team worked really hard over the season so far which I am grateful for, and everyone deserved some much-needed time off. Now our focus shifts to the final two rounds of the European season before we head into a series of fly away races. The Netherlands is a place that's quite close to my heart having spent most of my junior career driving for Dutch racing teams - Van Amersfoort Racing and MP Motorsport. I do like Zandvoort as a track. I actually tested there earlier this year with the team in the 2023 car during our TPC programme, which was one of my first with Alpine. This weekend also marks one year since my Formula One debut so that is quite special. It has been a rollercoaster time since then, so many highs, some lows but all for the better in my development. The weather looks like it will be quite mixed so we will be looking to capitalise on any opportunities as they present themselves with the aim to bring in a positive result as we resume the season."