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1h ago

Colapinto Crashes in Baku Qualifying, Will Start 16th as Alpine’s Struggles Persist

The team is considering an engine change with a five-place penalty after scrapping a low-drag setup that worsened handling.

Colapinto cerró la Q1 con un choque en el circuito callejero de Bakú.
Colapinto firma la bandera de una fan antes de afrontar la primera práctica libre en Bakú
El argentino analiza datos tras su última práctica libre.
Formula One F1 - Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan - September 20, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. and RB's Liam Lawson pose for a photo after qualifying REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

Overview

  • After a difficult Friday with P19 in FP1 and P20 in FP2, Colapinto improved to P15 in FP3 before crashing late in Q1.
  • He was eliminated in Q1 and is set to line up 16th for Sunday’s race, with teammate Pierre Gasly starting 19th.
  • Alpine tested a low-drag rear wing to recover straight-line speed but reverted to higher downforce when the car became unstable in the tight sectors.
  • F1 data showed Colapinto hit the weekend’s top speed in the Baku trap at 328.9 km/h despite slow overall lap times.
  • Advisor Flavio Briatore said Alpine’s 2026 second seat is a choice between Colapinto and Paul Aron, with a decision expected within one or two races.