Doc 33 - Infringement - Car 43 - Impeding of Car 3

2026 Japanese Grand Prix - Stewards Decision

From: The Stewards
To: The Team Manager, BWT Alpine F1 Team
Document: 33
Date: 27 March 2026
Time: 17:21

Incident Details

• Driver: 43 - Franco Colapinto
• Competitor: BWT Alpine F1 Team
• Session: Free Practice 2
• Fact: Car 43 impeded Car 3 into Turn 15.
• Infringement: Breach of Article B4.1.1 of the FIA F1 Regulations.

Decision

Driver: Warning.

Reasoning

The Stewards reviewed video, team radio, and in-car evidence, and heard from both Franco Colapinto (Car 43) and Max Verstappen (Car 3).

1. Sequence of Events: Car 43 was weaving to warm tyres between Turns 14 and 15. Although the team provided progressive warnings that Car 3 was closing fast, Car 43 remained on the racing line.
2. The Conflict: When Car 3 arrived, Car 43 accelerated but lacked sufficient energy to clear the way. Consequently, Max Verstappen had to abandon his push lap.
3. Admission: Colapinto candidly admitted to misjudging the closing speed.
4. Conclusion: The Stewards determined this was an unnecessary impediment. Following standard procedure for Free Practice sessions, a formal warning was issued.

Stewards

• Gerd Ennser
• Matthew Selley
• Zhou Xiaoxu
• Derek Warwick
• Kazuhiro Tsuge