Franco Colapinto, USA News (Mexico City): Argentine driver Franco Colapinto received a ten-second time penalty following the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix, resulting in the loss of the championship points he had earned during one of his strongest performances with Alpine. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) determined that the driver did not slow down sufficiently while passing through a sector marked with a single yellow flag.
Colapinto originally crossed the finish line in eighth place and briefly advanced to seventh following a penalty applied to Oscar Piastri. However, the subsequent ten-second time adjustment relegated him to 15th position in the definitive classification, leaving him outside the points-scoring positions.
Stewards analyzed positioning data, telemetry, lap times, radio communications, and footage from the onboard camera of the number 43 Alpine car, alongside hearing testimonies from the driver and team representatives. Alpine submitted records and photographs to argue that Colapinto had decelerated and prepared for directional changes as required by regulations, but officials concluded the evidence did not demonstrate a sufficient decrease in speed.
The FIA clarified that the driver had previously traversed a sector with double yellow flags, though officials decided against a second infraction due to uncertainties regarding whether he received that warning in sufficient time. Starting from 11th position, Colapinto had advanced rapidly into seventh during the opening laps, maintaining a solid strategy and competitive pace before taking the checkered flag in eighth.
Impact on Alpine and Superlicence Points
The time penalties assessed to both Alpine drivers reshaped the final standings. Penalties applied to Colapinto and teammate Pierre Gasly removed the team from the points entirely. Gasly, who finished tenth, received a more severe “stop and go” penalty equivalent under double yellow flags. Consequently, Isack Hadjar moved up to ninth, and debutant Ryo Hirakawa entered the top ten to claim the final available point.
Team executive Flavio Briatore lamented the outcome, noting the frustration of losing a double top-ten finish after a demanding race. In addition to the time penalty, Colapinto received one penalty point on his superlicence, bringing his total to five over the preceding twelve-month period. F1 regulations mandate a one-race suspension for any driver accumulating twelve penalty points within a year.
