14/06/2026 15:04 - Deportes
Auto de Fórmula 1 Alpine en el Circuito de Barcelona-Catalunya durante una carrera soleada con temperatura de asfalto de 50 grados, piloto con casco azul y blanco, tribunas repletas de fanáticos
Franco Colapinto experienced a bittersweet Sunday at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit in the Formula 1 championship. The Argentine driver for Alpine crossed the checkered flag in eighth position, celebrating what seemed like a historic result with his team, but the joy was short-lived: the FIA penalized him with 10 seconds for failing to reduce speed under a yellow flag, reclassifying him to tenth place.
The penalty meant losing two positions in the final classification: Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) moved up to eighth place and Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull) to ninth. Additionally, the International Automobile Federation added one penalty point to his Super License, bringing his total to two points in the last 12 months (the previous one was on June 29, 2025 in Austria for a maneuver against Piastri).
Franco Colapinto is an Argentine racing driver who has become a national sensation in Argentina, similar to what Sergio "Checo" Pérez represents for Mexico. His passionate fanbase has brought renewed interest in Formula 1 across South America. He currently competes for Alpine, a French manufacturer team formerly known as Renault F1 Team.
According to the official FIA document, citing Article B1.8.4 a of the Sporting Regulations, officials investigated "alleged failure to slow down under a single yellow flag at 15:38."
The stewards determined that Colapinto "slightly reduced speed before entering the single yellow flag zone, but did not decrease speed in a perceptible manner in the corresponding sector." The penalty applied was at the "lower end of the applicable penalty scale."
A yellow flag in motorsport indicates danger ahead, requiring drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop. Failure to respect yellow flags is taken seriously as it endangers marshals and other drivers.
Colapinto had a brilliant start from 13th position on soft tires, gaining several places at the first corner. Alpine split strategies: the Argentine started on softs while Pierre Gasly began on medium compounds.
On lap 14, Colapinto pitted for hard tires. Later, he received a team order to let Gasly pass, to which he responded over radio: "Why? He's not even pushing."
The retirements of Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in the final laps benefited Alpine, allowing both cars to finish in the points.
The big news of the day was the triumph of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion ended nearly two years without a victory and achieved his first win with the Italian team. The podium was completed by George Russell (Mercedes) in second place and Lando Norris (McLaren) in third.
Hamilton capitalized on a Virtual Safety Car triggered by Fernando Alonso's retirement to gain strategic positions and ultimately win with authority. This marks his first victory since July 2024.
Located in Montmeló, Spain (about 30 km north of Barcelona), this track has hosted Formula 1 since 1991. It's known for its technical layout that tests aerodynamic efficiency and tire management.
Scuderia Ferrari is the most successful team in F1 history, with over 240 race wins. Hamilton joined the team in 2025, creating one of the most anticipated partnerships in motorsport history.
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 25 |
| 2nd | George Russell | Mercedes | 18 |
| 3rd | Lando Norris | McLaren | 15 |
| 4th | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 12 |
| 5th | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 10 |
| 6th | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 8 |
| 7th | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 6 |
| 8th* | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 4 |
| 9th* | Arvid Lindblad | Red Bull | 2 |
| 10th* | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1 |
*Positions reclassified after Colapinto's 10-second penalty
The Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit presented extreme conditions with 30.7°C (87°F) air temperature and 50.7°C (123°F) track temperature. Tire management proved decisive in a tactical race where only 13 drivers started on medium tires, seven on softs, and two on hards.
Alpine celebrated their double points finish (Gasly 7th and Colapinto 10th reclassified), something they hadn't achieved since the Canadian GP, where the Argentine finished sixth and the Frenchman eighth.
Formula 1 continues with the Austrian Grand Prix on the weekend of June 26-28, 2026. Colapinto will look to regain ground with Alpine and return to scoring points in convincing fashion.
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, is known for its fast, flowing layout and scenic Alpine backdrop.
Source: FIA Official Documentation | Race results subject to official confirmation
Alfredo S. Quiroga
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