Franco Colapinto continues to have the full backing of Alpine and team principal Flavio Briatore following his involvement in a collision during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred late in the race, saw Colapinto lock his brakes during a safety car restart, resulting in a crash that took out his teammate Pierre Gasly as well as McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Colapinto was handed a five-place grid penalty for causing the collision, a sanction reflecting the stewards’ view of the incident. Despite initial expressions of frustration from Briatore, Alpine has confirmed that Colapinto will not be sidelined for the next race weekend in Bahrain. Instead, the driver promptly traveled to the United Kingdom to engage in simulator work at Alpine’s factory as part of his preparation for upcoming events, an activity framed by the team as forward-looking rather than punitive.
The circumstances of the crash were linked to a minor lock-up caused by Colapinto carrying extra speed due to the slipstream effect under safety car conditions. This was not an isolated issue during the race, as other drivers, including Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, experienced similar lock-ups at the same corner. Alpine and Briatore have emphasized their support for Colapinto, focusing on moving past the incident swiftly and maintaining team cohesion.
The collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a setback for Alpine, as it cost the team a potential double points finish. However, the team’s decision to retain Colapinto in the lineup for Bahrain reflects a measured approach to the incident, recognizing it as a racing error rather than reckless behaviour. Briatore’s initial reaction, which sparked speculation about disciplinary measures, has been tempered by the team’s focus on preparation and recovery.
Colapinto himself has acknowledged the mistake, describing it as a minor lock-up influenced by the unique conditions of the safety car restart. His immediate involvement in simulator sessions indicates a commitment to learning from the incident and refining his approach ahead of future races. Alpine’s stance suggests confidence in Colapinto’s potential and a desire to maintain stability within the driver lineup.
With the Bahrain Grand Prix approaching, Alpine’s priority appears to be on moving forward and optimizing performance rather than dwelling on the Azerbaijan incident. The support from Briatore and the team underscores the importance of resilience and development in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®. This episode highlights the fine margins in racing and the challenges drivers face when managing speed and control under varying conditions.