Alpine to Address Colapinto's Team Order Disregard Internally

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen has confirmed the team will handle internally the situation involving Franco Colapinto, who ignored team orders during the United States Grand Prix to overtake teammate Pierre Gasly. The incident, occurring late in the race while both cars were outside the points, has prompted a review from the French outfit.

Why it matters:

Team orders are a fundamental aspect of F1 strategy, designed to optimize overall team performance. Colapinto's defiance, regardless of the cars running outside points, sets a precedent that Alpine must address to maintain discipline and ensure future strategic adherence, especially as the team aims to improve its competitiveness.

The Details:

• Team Order Issuance: Towards the end of the US Grand Prix, with Gasly in 17th and Colapinto in 18th, both drivers were instructed to hold their positions for the remaining laps.
• Colapinto's Action: Colapinto, initially appearing surprised by the pit wall's message, proceeded to overtake Gasly, securing 17th place.
• Nielsen's Statement: 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."
• Colapinto's Justification: The Argentine driver explained his decision, citing slightly fresher tires than Gasly and a desire to keep Gabriel Bortoleto behind both Alpine cars. He acknowledged the need for a team debrief.
• Strategic Context: Nielsen noted that the team was managing fuel for both cars and adapting their strategy based on track conditions, with the hard tire proving unfavorable. The proximity of leaders also played a role in the instruction.

The big picture:

Alpine is currently enduring a challenging season, struggling for points and facing significant pressure to improve their car's performance. Incidents of internal discord, such as the team order controversy, can exacerbate existing difficulties and undermine team unity, which is crucial for any comeback effort. Maintaining a cohesive operational structure is paramount, especially when battling at the back of the grid, where every position can influence morale and development.

What's next:

The internal review will likely involve discussions with both drivers and a reinforcement of team protocols regarding instructions from the pit wall. How Alpine handles this issue will be critical in setting expectations for driver conduct and team loyalty moving forward. Both Alpine drivers finished outside the points in the US Grand Prix, extending their streak of pointless finishes since the Belgian Grand Prix, highlighting the larger performance issues the team needs to tackle.