Despite an awkward conversation with Flavio Briatore, according to Franco Colapinto, there was never any question of him having to sit out a race because of his crash in Baku
Was Franco Colapinto’s start in Malaysia ever up for debate? Many had interpreted statements by Alpine’s executive adviser Flavio Briatore to that effect, as he had threatened consequences following the team-internal crash caused by Colapinto and said that he would have to consider “what measures should be taken”.
However, the Argentine will be back in the A526 this weekend in Sepang. And according to him, a penalty involving sitting out a race was never even on the cards: “Not really,” he says, waving the idea aside.
Essentially, he says, everything went on as usual after the race in Azerbaijan: Colapinto went straight into the simulator and also drove to the factory to prepare for Malaysia. “Our preparations for the future have actually never changed,” he insists.
Nevertheless, Briatore’s comments had, of course, caused quite a stir. Anyone who knows the Italian knows that he doesn’t shy away from unpopular and uncompromising decisions. He had described the crash in Baku as a “very poor move”.
“Flavio was furious …”
One can, of course, imagine just how awkward the conversation with the Italian must have been, given that Colapinto’s manoeuvre had cost the team a lot of points – not only had he taken himself out of the race, but also his team-mate Pierre Gasly, who at that point had been in seventh place as the best driver behind the top teams.
“Of course Flavio was furious. And everyone in the team was angry,” admits the Alpine driver. “It’s not a pleasant situation to find yourself in. And it’s even worse to be the one who caused it. That’s the last thing you want as a team.”
Nevertheless, they found a way to put the situation behind them and look ahead. “Flavio is a brilliant team principal. He’s probably one of the best I’ve had in this sport since I started,” says Colapinto. “He has a wealth of experience, so he’s very good in situations like this – he knows how to handle them and how to make the team better.”
“Of course, it’s probably not exactly great when you’re the one who’s in the wrong and makes a mistake, but it’s brilliant to have him by your side and learn from it,” he emphasises. “ He’s the team principal, the one who tries to get the team winning again and to make it better.”
Colapinto emphasises: Full backing from the team
Following the incident, for which Colapinto immediately took responsibility, the team held a great many discussions and understood what they could do better in future. “It’s not a pleasant situation, but we’ve sorted it out internally,” he emphasises.
Colapinto also stresses that he has the full support of his team, with whom he had only recently extended his contract until 2027. “I’m just very grateful to be part of this team and for the support from everyone – from Flavio right from the start, and from Pierre as my team-mate.”
“We have a very good relationship with each other, including with him. Everything is fine. So, yes, it’s good that we’ve got a race straight away this weekend to put this behind us quickly.”
Of course, Colapinto would love to turn back the clock and undo his mistake. “But we can’t change it now,” he says. “I’m very sorry that’s the reality. But I’m looking forward to the future and I’m looking forward to racing this weekend.”