After a United States Grand Prix filled with complications, Franco Colapinto addressed the maneuver he executed in the final laps, when he overtook his teammate, Pierre Gasly, in a move that created some tension in the Alpine garage. Once the race was over, the Argentine driver was asked about his decision and stated that the overtaking was the most appropriate action given the circumstances of the race.
"I think it was the right thing to do. I had to give up the position several times and, well, I was going much faster, honestly, and I think he had slightly older tires," Colapinto explained. "He was about a second or so slower and, well, it was the best thing for the situation we were in," he added.
The native of Pilar also explained that the maneuver had a strategic purpose: "Bortoletto was attacking me a lot and overtaking him was also a way to defend myself. If I hadn't overtaken him, they probably would have overtaken both of us."
Finally, Colapinto downplayed any controversy regarding the overtaking, emphasizing that these were positions without significance in the standings: "We were fighting for 17th-18th place and there's no point in arguing over these things."
When Colapinto will race again
Continuing his tour of the American continent, Formula 1 will travel to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the Mexican Grand Prix. The action in Mexico will begin on Friday the 24th with the first free practice sessions and will conclude on Sunday the 26th at 5 p.m. (Argentina time) with the main race. Last year, when he was still with Williams, on that same circuit Franco Colapinto finished 12th.
