By: The recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked a deeply disappointing moment in what has otherwise been a highly satisfying season for Alpine.
The Anglo-French team, revitalised by the adoption of the ultra-dominant Mercedes Power Unit, has amassed an excellent haul of points so far, allowing it to fight for fifth place in the constructors’ championship alongside the season’s other surprise package, Racing Bulls.
The double retirement suffered in Azerbaijan was a significant blow, particularly as it was caused by the serious error of one of its drivers, Franco Colapinto, who ruined not only his own race but also that of team-mate Pierre Gasly.
The damaging media furore
This racing incident had two immediate consequences: on one hand, the understandable anger of Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore, who threatened severe disciplinary action against the Argentine.
On the other, there were fresh and regrettable negative incidents directed at everyone who criticised Colapinto’s reckless move, a situation unpleasant enough to prompt the Enstone team to issue another statement condemning these acts of rudeness and abuse.
It is not yet known what action Briatore will take against the driver: he is unlikely to be dropped, given that the 23-year-old from Pilar had his contract renewed until 2027 at the end of August.
Colapinto earned his contract extension thanks to the highly convincing performances he has produced in this, his second season at Alpine, and there are many past examples of drivers, more or less experienced, making similar errors—incidents that have merely punctuated even highly successful careers.
What will weigh more heavily on Colapinto’s future?
What is new, and highly negative, is the mechanism behind the offensive media furore that follows every development involving the Argentine driver and frequently forces Alpine to distance itself from improper behaviour towards the team itself, other drivers and members of the paddock.
What could ultimately cost Colapinto his career may not be his performances or his mistakes, but rather teams’ desire to keep away from the unwanted situations linked to all the controversies that regularly surround the Argentine driver’s name.
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Azerbaijan GP 2026
