Doc 27 - Decision - Car 43 - Allegedly Driving Unnecessarily Slow

Document 27 - Decision - Car 43 - Allegedly Driving Unnecessarily Slow

To: The Team Manager, BWT Alpine F1 Team From: The Stewards Date: 06 March 2026 Time: 20:42

Summary of the Incident

• No / Driver: 43 - Franco Colapinto
• Competitor: BWT Alpine F1 Team
• Time: 16:02
• Session: Practice 2
• Fact: Driving Unnecessarily Slow on the Main Straight
• Infringement: Alleged Breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations.
• Decision: No further action.

Reason for the Decision

The Stewards received a report from the Race Director (document 19) and heard from the driver of Car 43 (Franco Colapinto) and the team representative. They also reviewed video and in-car video evidence.

Driver's Explanation (Franco Colapinto):

• Colapinto explained that his car suffered a 'false neutral' as he approached the final turn and lost drive upon entering the main straight.
• The team instructed him via radio to try and resolve the issue. If unsuccessful, he was told to keep the car rolling slowly on the left side of the main straight, as instructed by the team for situations requiring a stop.
• He was watching his mirrors and was aware of Lewis Hamilton approaching. He stayed to the left, adhering to the Race Director's Competition Notes (Emergency Exit Map) which designates the exit point on the left side of the track.
• He argued that attempting to move off the racing line without drive could have created a more dangerous situation.

Stewards' Findings:

• The Stewards were satisfied that Colapinto's driving was not erratic. Given the mechanical problem, he was not driving "unnecessarily" slowly.
• His positioning of the car was to ensure he could reach the designated exit point if the mechanical issue persisted.
• The Stewards concluded that the driver's actions were not unsafe.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence and explanations, the Stewards determined that no further action was required. Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal decisions in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.

Stewards:

• Nish Shetty
• Pedro Lamy
• Mathieu Remmerie
• Matthew Selley