Carlos Sainz's Humorous Pit Stop Blunder at Alpine During Baku FP1

Williams driver Carlos Sainz provided a moment of levity during an eventful FP1 session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix by accidentally pulling into the Alpine pit box. Mistaking the blue livery for his own team, Sainz turned off his engine before being promptly informed of his error, much to the amusement of both teams and fans.

Why it matters:

Beyond the humor, Sainz's blunder highlights the intense, fast-paced environment of F1 pit lanes and the slight visual similarities between team colors that can momentarily confuse drivers, even seasoned ones. It offers a rare glimpse into the human element and the quick-thinking adjustments required, even during practice sessions, showcasing that even top-tier athletes can have their moments of confusion.

The Details:

• During a red-flagged FP1 session in Baku, caused by track debris, Carlos Sainz entered the pit lane and mistakenly stopped in the Alpine garage.
• Sainz, upon hearing the 'Box, engine off' command from his race engineer Gaëtan Jego, complied while parked among a group of visibly confused Alpine mechanics.
• He was quickly informed: "Okay, you're at the Alpine box," prompting him to refire his engine and proceed to his correct Williams pit box a few garages down.
• The confusion was reportedly due to the similar blue hues present in both Alpine and Williams team kits, a subtle visual cue that momentarily misled the former Renault (now Alpine) driver.
• Session Outcome: Despite the gaffe, Sainz finished the FP1 session in eighth place, two-tenths and three positions behind his Williams teammate, Alex Albon.

The Big Picture:

Carlos Sainz joined Williams in 2025 as a four-time Grand Prix winner, following stints with McLaren and Ferrari. His history with the Enstone squad (when it was Renault from 2017-2018) adds a layer of irony to the situation, as he was literally 'returning home' to a team he once drove for, albeit inadvertently.

What's next:

While FP1 blunders rarely have lasting implications, Sainz's humorous mistake will likely be a talking point for a while. The focus for Williams will quickly shift back to optimizing their car's performance for qualifying and the race, with Sainz aiming to prove his pace and contribute to the team's ongoing development in the 2025 season.