UNSEEN PIT EXIT CRASH DURING VSC WAS “SCARY MOMENT” – COLAPINTO

Franco Colapinto delivered his career-best Formula 1 result despite a terrifying pit exit incident. The Alpine driver slid into the barrier on the outside of Turn 2 after pitting under a Virtual Safety Car. Colapinto, initially fearing race-ending damage, radioed, "I crashed, I fucking crashed! Idiot." Fortunately, the car sustained only minor damage, requiring no repairs and not impacting performance. He lost minimal time as the VSC period neutralized the race.

Colapinto, who started on medium tires on a low-grip track, hit a wet patch and a white line, describing the moment as "scary." Despite the scare, he went on to secure sixth place, matching Alpine's strongest finish this season. Coupled with Pierre Gasly's eighth, Alpine earned their highest team points haul of the year, maximizing a challenging weekend. This performance, building on their showing in Miami, proves Alpine can capitalize when opportunities arise.