From the saddle to the smoker, BWT Alpine Formula One Team drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto kicked off race week with a taste of Texas ahead of the United States Grand Prix

Preparations for this weekend’s race in Austin began with two distinctly Texan experiences as our drivers stepped outside the Formula One paddock to discover a little of what makes the Lone Star State special.

Franco saddles up for a different kind of horsepower

On Wednesday afternoon, Franco visited the Lone Star Ranch, just outside Austin, where he swapped his cockpit for the saddle to enjoy an authentic Western experience.

Having ridden horses since he was young, the Argentinian gaucho was in familiar territory as he enjoyed a different sort of paddock and took the reins of ‘Smoke’ for a ride around the ring.

After receiving a few pointers, he demonstrated his skills with a few manoeuvres in a classic Texan setting, fully embracing the local cowboy culture.

Pierre masters the art of the Texas BBQ

Meanwhile, Pierre discovered another of the region’s great traditions as he headed to the legendary Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, in the heart of Texas Hill Country.

Founded in 1967 by Thurman Roberts and his sons, The Salt Lick BBQ has become synonymous with Central Texas barbecue. Its renowned open pit, fuelled by live oak wood, has drawn visitors for generations to enjoy its slow-cooked food and famous family recipes.

Pierre was given a tour of the smokers before getting hands-on with the craft of a Texas pit master. He learned how to turn and flip pork ribs over the open fire before basting and coating the meat with the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce, blended from 18 different spices.

Franco makes a two-wheeled entrance

Franco’s Texan adventure also featured an alternative motorsport theme as he arrived in the Circuit Of The Americas paddock on Thursday morning.

Continuing the friendly relationship between BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team, he arrived on a MotoGP machine borrowed from the team.

The Circuit of The Americas is one of the rare venues to host Formula One, MotoGP and the FIA World Endurance Championship — all disciplines in which Alpine has a presence during 2026.

Following a busy media day on Thursday, Pierre and Franco will get behind the wheel of the A526 on Friday morning at 12:30 CDT for Free Practice 1 as track action at the United States Grand Prix gets underway.