P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Franco Colapinto defied an instruction to stay behind Alpine Formula 1 team-mate Pierre Gasly in an unusual controversy over 17th place
In the United States Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto ignored team orders to stay behind his Alpine Formula 1 team-mate Pierre Gasly, opting instead to overtake him in the final laps for 17th place.
Colapinto’s decision to pass Gasly was influenced by the faster pace he felt he had compared to his teammate, as well as pressure from Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto behind them.
Alpine management did not approve of Colapinto’s actions, especially given the team’s instruction to hold position and manage the race situation.
The confusion over whether they would be lapped by race leader Max Verstappen added to the tense situation, with Colapinto receiving messages to conserve energy and be prepared for extra laps.
Alpine’s managing director expressed disappointment over the incident and stated that internal review and actions would be taken to address the issue.
Gasly refrained from commenting on the controversy publicly, choosing to focus on the team’s overall disappointing performance in the race and their struggles to compete in the championship.
