Source: Official Team Post via X
Gasly and Colapinto Urge Alpine to Focus Forward After Baku Mishap
Following a collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto emphasize the importance of moving past the incident and focusing on the team's goals. Despite the mishap, both drivers are optimistic about their chances in the Constructors' Championship.
Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto have decided it's time to turn the page after their unfortunate clash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Colapinto locked up during a Safety Car restart, inadvertently turning Gasly’s car into an involuntary battering ram against McLaren's Lando Norris, leading to a triple retirement. While Colapinto swiftly apologized, the incident left Alpine's Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore pondering potential repercussions.
Colapinto has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the next race in Bahrain, which, for reasons known only to the racing gods, is actually in Malaysia this year. Meanwhile, Gasly and Colapinto have had a heart-to-heart, clearing the air and prioritizing their mission to climb the Constructors’ Championship standings.
"It's all clear, it's all good," Gasly remarked, diplomatically labeling the incident as merely "an unfortunate mistake." His focus now? Alpine's bid for fifth in the Constructors' Championship. "We know what we’ve got to do," he said, emphasizing teamwork and the need to capitalize on their car's current pace.
Colapinto mirrored Gasly's optimism, stressing the importance of teamwork in overcoming their recent setback. "We handled everything inside," he said, acknowledging the difficult conversation they had but highlighting that such moments can fortify the team. They remain locked in a tight battle with Racing Bulls for the coveted title of 'best of the rest,' trailing by just 15 points.
Gasly, reflecting on the incident, noted how emotions can run high during races, but stressed the importance of moving forward. "The only way of going forward is just to get back together and get stronger as a team," he stated. "We’ll need each other to finish in fifth place and we’ll need each other next year."
Colapinto echoed these sentiments, focusing on the lessons learned and the future ahead. "Hopefully we move on and can have a good weekend here," he said, adding that such challenges can make them stronger as a team. "It's important that we stick together and understand what to do better to improve in the future."
As the team regroups and sets its sights on the upcoming races, the drivers remain hopeful that they can turn their fortunes around and make the most of the remaining opportunities this season.