Alpine 'Disappointed' with Franco Colapinto's Disobedience in US Grand Prix

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has expressed the team's "disappointment" after Franco Colapinto disregarded team orders during the United States Grand Prix. In the closing laps at Circuit of the Americas, Colapinto was instructed to hold P18 and not attack teammate Pierre Gasly, who was on older tires. However, Colapinto took matters into his own hands, overtaking Gasly at Turn 1, a move that the Enstone-based squad is now reviewing internally.

Why it matters:

Franco Colapinto is fighting to secure his Formula 1 future, and his defiance of team orders in a critical race could have significant repercussions for his standing within Alpine. As teams often prioritize internal harmony and strategic control, such an incident raises questions about driver discipline and the team's ability to manage its assets, especially when a young driver's career hangs in the balance.

The Details:

• Team Orders Issued: Towards the end of the US Grand Prix, Colapinto, on fresher tires, was explicitly told to maintain his position (P18) behind Pierre Gasly (on older tires) to manage fuel and the race leaders' proximity.
• Disobedience: Despite clear instructions from the pit wall, Colapinto ignored the order and overtook Gasly at Turn 1.
• Alpine's Reaction: Managing director Steve Nielsen stated, "As a team, any instruction made by the pit wall is final, and today we are disappointed that this didn't happen so it's something we will review and deal with internally."
• Strategic Context: Gasly had pitted earlier to cover an undercut threat, leading to his older tires, while Colapinto was able to extend his first stint, giving him a tire advantage late in the race.
• Colapinto's Justification: Colapinto explained his actions by noting he had fresher tires and saw Gabriel Bortoleto attacking, stating, "I wanted to keep him behind both of us, so it is something we will discuss as a team and learn from moving forwards."

Between the lines:

Colapinto's actions highlight the intense pressure on young drivers to perform and make an impression. With his F1 seat in jeopardy and reserve driver Paul Aron waiting in the wings, Colapinto's decision to prioritize an on-track overtake over team instructions could be seen as either a bold display of ambition or a critical misjudgment. The team's internal review will determine the true impact on his future.

What's next:

Alpine is expected to conduct an internal review of the incident. This situation adds another layer of scrutiny to Colapinto's performance as he continues to fight for his F1 career. The team will aim to address any disciplinary issues and reinforce the importance of following instructions, especially with only a few rounds remaining in the season. Colapinto will have another chance to impress and demonstrate his worth at the upcoming Mexican City Grand Prix.