Briatore expresses deep disappointment following Alpine double DNF in Baku
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix descended into chaos for Alpine, as a collision involving Franco Colapinto resulted in a double retirement for the team. Executive Flavio Briatore has voiced his extreme dissatisfaction, labeling the incident a costly mistake that robbed the Enstone-based outfit of significant championship points.
The Baku Incident: A Costly Error
The incident occurred on lap 36 during a critical restart period. Facing the dusty, low-grip surface of the Baku street circuit's inside line, Colapinto locked his front tyres. This error sent the Argentinian driver directly into the side of his teammate, Pierre Gasly, ending the race for both Alpine competitors. The collision also collected McLaren's Lando Norris, sparking widespread frustration across the paddock.
The fallout from the crash was immediate. Both Gasly and Norris expressed significant anger toward Colapintoâs driving. Norris went a step further, suggesting that the FIA should consider a one-race ban for such careless behavior.
Briatore was equally blunt in his assessment of the young driver. While acknowledging that Colapinto has taken full responsibility, the Italian executive noted that the driver braked far too late given the specific context of the race and the safety car restart. âIt was a very poor move for a driver of his experience,â Briatore stated.
Implications for Alpineâs Future
The double DNF is particularly stinging as both cars were positioned in point-scoring territory at the time of the accident. Briatore offered his apologies to both Gaslyâwho had delivered a strong weekendâand the McLaren team for the disruption caused to their race.
Despite this setback, the team's momentum remains a key talking point. Earlier this season, Pierre Gasly praised Briatore for setting the tone and helping to grow the team's competitive momentum. However, this incident poses a challenge to that stability.
Colapinto, who recently secured a new Alpine contract for the 2027 season to partner with Gasly, now faces a period of reflection. Briatore indicated that he is currently considering the necessary course of action to ensure such a situation is not repeated. âI 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,â Briatore concluded.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.