What happened: Colapinto locked his brakes on a safety-car restart at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris. The contact ended Alpine's run at a double points finish in Baku. Briatore's post-race comments fueled speculation about Colapinto's seat before Alpine confirmed continued support.

Why it matters: Retaining Colapinto settles Alpine's driver question leaving Baku and preserves continuity for development work. A lost double points finish stings in the midfield where constructors' positions turn on single weekends.

What to watch: Watch Alpine's opening practice run at the next round for signs of reset between Colapinto and Gasly.