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1h ago

Colapinto Rebounds to 15th in FP3 at Baku as Alpine Weighs Engine Change

After a failed low‑downforce trial, Colapinto clocked the top speed and awaits an imminent call on Alpine’s 2026 lineup.

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
Franco Colapinto no puede salir del fondo en la mayoría de las instancias que afronta con su Alpine
Alpine team executive adviser Flavio Briatore arrives for the third practice for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Overview

  • Following a tough Friday, Colapinto improved to 15th in FP3 after ranking 19th in FP1 and 20th in FP2 at the Azerbaijan GP.
  • F1 data showed Colapinto recorded the day’s highest speed in the Baku speed trap at 328.9 km/h.
  • Alpine’s Monza‑style low‑downforce setup did not deliver and left the car difficult to handle in the slow, technical sections, prompting a return to higher downforce.
  • The team is evaluating a power‑unit replacement for Colapinto that would carry a five‑place grid penalty if executed.
  • Flavio Briatore said Alpine will choose its 2026 second driver between Colapinto and Paul Aron within one or two races, with Pierre Gasly already set.