F1 team ‘suffers break-in at factory’ as police launch investigation | F1 | Sport
Two thieves reportedly broke into Alpine’s Viry-Chatillon factory on Monday but stole nothing. The Territorial Crime Division (DCT) are currently investigating the matter, although no arrests have been made as of yet. According to a report from French news outlet Le Parisien, two individuals broke a window to gain access to the reception of Alpine’s Viry-Chatillon facility at around 10pm on Monday evening.
The thieves allegedly headed to the upper floor, which contains the Alpine F1 team’s executive and management offices. However, despite the break-in, at the time of the police’s initial investigation, no ‘material damage’ was discovered, and no valuable items were taken. “Nothing was stolen,” a source told Le Parisien. “Everything is fine. There were no employees present at the time.”
As the investigation hums on in the background, Alpine will turn their attention back to their Constructors’ Championship plight. Team Enstone are 40 points adrift at the bottom of the standings with just three races remaining in 2025, despite Pierre Gasly scoring a point in both the sprint and Grand Prix in Brazil last time out.
While the Frenchman was delighted with the improved performance in Sao Paulo, he was at a loss to explain what had made 2025’s perennial backmarkers take a sudden leap into the midfield.
“I have no idea,” he replied when asked if the team could carry the momentum into the season-ending triple header. “We have no idea why we’re fast here, and we have no idea why we’re so slow in Mexico. I mean, we do have small ideas, but not enough to say that’s going to be fine.
“Last year, I qualified third in Vegas. We’ll see. I will not put money on third for me in Vegas this year. Max was nowhere yesterday; today, he was third. Usually, we’re nowhere, and [in Brazil] we were strong the whole weekend. It’s quite a few things to work on.”
Alpine were also able to celebrate another breakthrough in Brazil. Franco Colapinto was announced as the second half of the team’s driver pairing for 2026, ending months of speculation.
“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forward in the future,” Colapinto said after his future was confirmed. “Ever since I made my Formula One debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this sport.
“It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great team-mate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.”
