Alpine Fined €5,000 for Franco Colapinto Tyre Breach in Las Vegas

Alpine's Formula 1 team has been hit with a €5,000 fine by the FIA for a procedural breach involving Franco Colapinto's car during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team failed to electronically register the return of a set of intermediate tires, despite physically returning them after a wet FP3 session.

Why it matters:

This fine, while minor, highlights the FIA's strict adherence to F1's technical regulations and the importance of precise procedural compliance from teams. For Alpine, it adds to a challenging season for Colapinto, who has yet to score points since joining the team, and underscores the meticulous nature of F1 operations where even small administrative errors can lead to penalties.

The Details:

• The Breach: During a rain-affected qualifying session in Las Vegas, a practice session (FP3) was declared wet.
• Regulation: F1 rules mandate that teams must return one set of intermediate tires within two hours of a wet session's conclusion.
• Alpine's Action: Alpine physically returned a set of intermediate tires as required.
• The Error: However, the team failed to register this return electronically with the FIA, a lapse noted by technical delegate Jo Bauer, prompting an investigation.
• Stewards' Verdict: The FIA stewards confirmed the team's representative acknowledged the error, stating: "Although the tyres were returned physically there is still a responsibility to electronically lodge their return with the FIA and this was not done."
• The Fine: As a result of this procedural infringement, Alpine was fined €5,000.
• Colapinto's Performance: Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan earlier in the season, finished 15th in qualifying while teammate Pierre Gasly reached Q3. This incident marks another challenge for Colapinto, who is still seeking his first points with Alpine.

The big picture:

The FIA has been vigilant in enforcing regulations this weekend. Mercedes was also investigated for failing to provide set-up sheets for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli's cars but avoided penalty after proving an IT security issue prevented timely submission. Carlos Sainz also faced scrutiny for an unsafe rejoin after an off-track excursion but was cleared, retaining his third-place grid position. These incidents collectively demonstrate the stringent regulatory environment in F1, where even minor infractions are scrutinized, ensuring a level playing field.

What's next:

While the fine itself is negligible for an F1 team, the incident serves as a reminder for Alpine and other teams to maintain flawless procedural adherence. For Franco Colapinto, the focus remains on finding form and scoring his first points to secure his future with Alpine, as the team continues to navigate a challenging season.