The Argentine driver had a bittersweet weekend as he had confrontations with the French team who did not seem to value him.
He United States Grand Prix left a bittersweet taste for Alpine, not only because of the 17th place obtained, but because of the internal controversy generated after a maneuver of Franco Colapinto. The Argentine pilot disobeyed a team order in the final laps of the race, overtaking his teammate Pierre Gasly at a key moment. This episode generated a harsh statement from the team, which questioned the driver’s decision and questioned its continuity for 2026.
The race at the Circuit of the Americas showed once again the limitations of the Alpine A525, a single-seater that does not allow competing for prominent positions. However, the Colapinto overtaking On the penultimate lap, when both drivers were fighting for 17th place, sparked an immediate reaction from the pit wall. The Pilar native already had another argument with Stuart Barlow, his track engineer, over the weekend.
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The Alpine race in the United States GP
The United States GP confirmed Alpine’s difficulties in maintaining a competitive pace. Franco Colapinto left in the 15th positionbut the car’s performance quickly relegated it. After a tire change in the lap 32the Argentine found a better rhythm with soft compounds, which allowed him get closer to Gasly in the final laps.
The Frenchman, who had made his pit stop five laps before, suffered obvious wear on your tires. While Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) threatened to surpass them, the team ordered Colapinto maintain positions to manage fuel and avoid risks. However, the Argentine pilot ignored the indication and overtook Gasly in the first corner of lap 54ensuring the 17th place and leaving his companion in the last position.
Colapinto justified his decision by arguing that Gasly was slower and that, if not advanced, Bortoleto would have surpassed them both. “I think it was the right thing to do. I was going much faster, he had older tires and he was slowing me down. It was the best for the situation,” declared the driver after the race. His maneuver, although effective, unleashed anger on the teamwho expected obedience to strategic orders.
Alpine’s statement after Franco Colapinto’s maneuver
He Alpine director Steve Nielsenissued a official statement where he made it clear team discontent with Colapinto’s attitude. “We gave clear instructions to the drivers to maintain positions, as we were managing fuel and the remaining laps. As a team, any order from the pit wall is final, and today We are disappointed that this has not been fulfilled“Nielsen said.
The statement generates controversy since the director and head of the team say that they feel disappointed with what happened, when the only thing Franco Colapinto did was want to race. Although the team’s directives were clear, it seems that they do not trust the Argentine, who shows that he has capacity and even seems to surpass his teammate who is 7 years more experienced in the category.
The expressed disappointment by the team not only questions the discipline of the pilot, but also puts its continuity at risk for the season 2026. Although Colapinto has contract with Alpinehis role as starting pilot It is not guaranteed, and this incident could influence the final decision.
The Argentine, from 22 yearsdemonstrated higher pace than his partner in the last races, but the lack of compliance with orders plays against you. Although, if they are wise, they should be given an opportunity to demonstrate that with a better car, he is capable of even surpassing his French teammate. Confirmation of his seat would be expected for Novemberpossibly during Brazilian GP.
Source: Ambito
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