Franco Colapinto retains Alpine's full support despite causing a collision with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris in Azerbaijan.

Franco Colapinto traveled directly from Azerbaijan to Alpine's factory for an early morning simulator session rather than facing suspension for his restart collision in Baku. The Argentine driver began work at 5am to help adjust to Malaysia's time zone, with the unusual timing serving as preparation rather than punishment.

Post-race analysis revealed Colapinto's error was relatively minor, with data showing he applied just 2-3 percent too much brake pressure during the safety car restart. This small mistake triggered the front wheel lock-up that caused him to collide with teammate Gasly and McLaren's Norris, retiring all three drivers from points-paying positions.

Alpine executive Flavio Briatore confirmed his initial anger about the incident but emphasized the team's forward-looking approach with eight races remaining. Colapinto faces a five-place grid penalty for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, and Alpine has decided to take additional engine penalties while his chances of scoring points are already reduced.