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3h ago

Colapinto Rebounds to 15th in FP3 as Alpine Rethinks Setup in Baku

After abandoning a low‑drag package, Alpine is weighing an engine swap that would cost five grid places.

Colapinto firma la bandera de una fan antes de afrontar la primera práctica libre en Bakú
Franco Colapinto no puede salir del fondo en la mayoría de las instancias que afronta con su Alpine
El castillo, la mítica imagen de Bakú, con el Alpine de Colapinto delante. Foto AP Photo/Darko Bandic
Lewis Hamilton

Overview

  • The Argentine improved to 15th in Saturday’s final practice after running 19th and then 20th on Friday.
  • Colapinto said the team is “very, very far” on pace and struggling to find balance on Baku’s bumpy, slow‑corner layout.
  • Alpine tested a low‑downforce rear wing on Friday, then reverted to a higher‑downforce configuration after poor handling, even as Colapinto topped the speed trap at 328.9 km/h.
  • The team is evaluating an engine change for Colapinto that would carry a five‑place grid penalty if taken this weekend.
  • Executive adviser Flavio Briatore said Alpine’s 2026 second seat will go to either Colapinto or Paul Aron, with a decision expected within one or two races.