‘Team instructions must always be followed’ admits Colapinto

Franco Colapinto has sought to defuse a team orders controversy following his contentious pass on Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly at the United States Grand Prix. Despite instructions to hold station, Colapinto overtook Gasly on the final lap, leading to a rebuke from Alpine's Managing Director. Ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Colapinto admitted that team instructions "must always be followed," expressing contrition and citing struggles with his car in Austin. His actions come amidst uncertainty over his 2026 seat, with Paul Aron, a contender for the role, set to drive Gasly's car in Friday's Free Practice 1 session, adding intrigue to Alpine's driver situation.