Colapinto: Ignoring team orders was the 'right decision'

      "I was definitely going a lot faster, to be honest."

      Franco Colapinto has faced potential internal repercussions at Alpine after openly disregarding a team order during the United States GP, a move that new team manager Steve Nielsen has labeled as "disappointing" and will be reviewed. With both Alpine cars outside the points and the team being the slowest of the weekend, Colapinto ignored a late-race directive to stay behind Pierre Gasly while they battled for a lowly 17th place.

      "I believe it was the right choice," the rookie from Argentina stated afterward. "I had given up my position several times before. To be honest, I was much faster—Pierre had slightly older tires and was about a second slower.

      Considering our circumstances, it was the best decision. Bortoleto was putting pressure on me, and overtaking Pierre was a way to protect myself as well. If I hadn’t passed him, he likely would have overtaken both of us. We were competing for 17th and 18th—there's no reason to argue about this."

      Colapinto's bold move on the final lap almost forced Gasly off the track, prompting a swift reaction from the pit wall. Nielsen, who has recently taken charge of the struggling team, issued a firm statement after the race.

      "We instructed the drivers to maintain their positions as we were managing fuel with both cars and considering the number of laps left with the leaders close behind," Nielsen explained. "As a team, any directive from the pit wall is final, and today we are disappointed that this wasn’t followed. This will be addressed and reviewed internally."

      Gasly, who has generally kept his composure throughout Alpine's disappointing season, opted not to escalate the situation. "We have many things to discuss as a team," he told Canal Plus. "The main issue is that we are simply too slow."

      This incident occurs just as Colapinto is reportedly finalizing a new contract with Alpine for 2026—an indication, perhaps, that the 22-year-old no longer feels his seat is at risk.