Colapinto drops to tenth after Barcelona penalty

Franco Colapinto has been penalized ten seconds after the Formula 2 Grand Prix in Barcelona, resulting in him losing eighth place. The penalty was issued for failing to adequately slow down for a yellow flag during the race.

The Argentine driver, competing for Alpine, had initially finished the race in eighth position, with teammate Pierre Gasly crossing the line in seventh. This result would have given Alpine a solid points haul and strengthened their midfield position.

However, the stewards reviewed evidence and determined that Colapinto had not sufficiently reduced his speed in the sector where yellow flags were displayed, despite a minor reduction prior to the zone. Consequently, he was handed a 10-second time penalty and a penalty point, which dropped him to tenth in the final classification. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were promoted to eighth and ninth respectively.

This marks Colapinto's fourth points finish in the Grand Prix season, though he leaves the seventh round with a reduced single point.