Franco Colapinto's maneuver at the end of the United States Grand Prix continues to generate repercussions. The Argentine driver ignored Alpine's order to maintain positions and overtook Pierre Gasly in the final laps, prompting applause from the crowd and anger from the team. However, in recent hours, a version has emerged that could change the meaning of everything that happened.
According to former driver and journalist Thomas Harpe, the internal order not to overtake Gasly may have been the idea of Flavio Briatore himself, Alpine's advisor, as part of a character test for Colapinto.
"Apparently, the order to give such an absurd order came from Briatore, to see what Colapinto's reaction would be. Briatore's facial expression when Colapinto disobeyed was a satisfied smile," Harpe revealed on the program Clasificando.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, while within the French team they remain silent after the initial statement from Steve Nielsen that called for "maintaining respect for the team's decisions." Meanwhile, the native of Pilar made it clear that his decision had been the correct one given the situation they were in.
Meanwhile, according to Carburando, Colapinto was summoned to a meeting this Tuesday with Alpine's executives, ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, where he will have to provide his explanations. There, it will be decided whether the Argentine will receive a disciplinary sanction or not.
Amid the fans' ovation and internal tensions, Colapinto's time in Austin could mark a turning point in his immediate future within Formula 1.
