Franco Colapinto Criticizes Race Control ‘Inconsistency’ After Safety Car Intervention Costs Alpine in Shanghai

Alpine’s Franco Colapinto questions FIA consistency after a Safety Car deployment ruined his strategy in China, despite securing a point in Shanghai.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 9:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Thomas Maher

Strategic Gamble Neutralized by Race Control Decisions

A promising tactical play for Franco Colapinto was effectively dismantled during the middle stages of the Chinese Grand Prix due to what he perceives as inconsistent officiating. Starting on the hard-compound tire, Colapinto executed a long first stint that saw him rise as high as second place as rivals opted for early pit stops. However, the deployment of a full Safety Car to recover Lance Stroll’s stranded Aston Martin erased his hard-earned gap. Colapinto expressed frustration after the race, noting that a similar incident involving Isack Hadjar in Melbourne was covered only by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC), a discrepancy he claims "killed" his afternoon.

Inter-Team Collision and Performance Limitations

The challenges for the Alpine driver intensified following his Lap 32 pit stop. Upon rejoining the circuit, Colapinto was involved in a rear-right collision with teammate Esteban Ocon. While Ocon immediately accepted culpability and apologized via team radio, the impact left a significant hole in the floor of Colapinto’s A526. The resulting damage compromised both the balance and the outright aerodynamic performance of the car, forcing the Argentine to fight a defensive battle for the remainder of the race rather than attacking the cars ahead.

Signs of Recovery for the Enstone Based Squad

Despite the internal friction and technical setbacks, the weekend served as a validation of Alpine’s decision to abandon its 2025 development early to focus on the 2026 technical regulations. Pierre Gasly secured a strong sixth-place finish, and with Colapinto’s 10th, the team celebrated its first double-points haul of the new era. Gasly noted that the team is now in a "completely different league" compared to the previous season, maintaining a pace that allowed them to stay within striking distance of established frontrunners like McLaren and Ferrari.