Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore is considering disciplinary action following Franco Colapinto’s collision with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident, which also involved McLaren’s Lando Norris, has prompted a review of Colapinto’s position within the team.
During a Safety Car restart at the Baku City Circuit, Colapinto braked late into Turn 1, making contact with Gasly and Norris. Both Gasly and Norris were forced to retire from the race due to the damage sustained.
Colapinto’s car was also too damaged to continue, leading to his retirement shortly after the incident. He has taken full responsibility for the collision, acknowledging his late braking.
‘I know that Franco has taken full responsibility for it, as he should; in fact he braked far too late considering the context of the race and the Safety Car restart. It was a very poor move for a driver of his experience,’ Briatore stated. ‘I want to take time to reflect on it and consider what course of action should be taken, so we can learn from it and avoid such a situation in future.’
The FIA stewards issued Colapinto a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
Alpine’s social media activity ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix has offered a potential clue regarding Colapinto’s immediate future. A graphic promoting the event notably featured only Colapinto.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commented on the situation, making a remark about the potential severity of Briatore’s review compared to the FIA’s sanctions.
Pierre Gasly expressed his disappointment regarding the incident, emphasizing the missed opportunity for Alpine to score points. He confirmed discussions with Colapinto after the race.
Lando Norris, whose race ended prematurely due to the collision, later clarified earlier comments he made, stating he did not wish for Colapinto to face harsh penalties.
Colapinto, 23, secured a new contract with Alpine for the 2027 Formula 1 season earlier this year. He has accumulated 27 points during the current 2026 season.
