Overview
- FIA stewards found Alex Albon fully at fault for contact with Franco Colapinto in Baku’s Turn 5, issuing a 10-second penalty and adding two points to his superlicence.
- The incident relegated Colapinto to 19th after early gains through the field, scuppering a realistic chance to fight for points.
- Alpine posted images of Colapinto staying late to help mechanics repair his car after a qualifying crash, publicly praising his commitment.
- Team messaging cautioned that the current A525 package is uncompetitive as resources shift toward the 2026 program and a new engine supply.
- Flavio Briatore said Alpine’s second 2026 seat is between Colapinto and reserve Paul Aron, with late-season form to guide the call; recent reports note Colapinto has often outqualified Pierre Gasly.