Pierre Gasly offers Franco Colapinto defence after Alpine team orders row

Pierre Gasly has defended Franco Colapinto over his breach of team orders in the United States GP, saying it "doesn't reflect him as a driver."

In the closing stages of the Austin race, Colapinto was told to hold station behind Gasly, with both Alpines trying to manage fuel whilst running out of the points positions. 

Colapinto then ignored the instruction and overtook Gasly into Turn 1 as Alpine boss Steve Nielsen issued a statement saying it was "disappointing" that Colapinto had decided to breach team orders. 

Talks were planned between the drivers and the team for before the Mexican GP, with Gasly remaining tight-lipped about what had taken place, but did offer a defence of Colapinto, who is still yet to score a point in 2025.

"We talked about it, there is just no point to talk about it here," Gasly began to media, including RacingNews365. 

When asked why he would not discuss the matter further, Gasly replied: "What's had to be said, has been said, and so it is all fine. 

"We're just trying to stick together as a team, be united, and that's what we want to achieve.

When then asked by RacingNews365 if "the air had been cleared", Gasly spoke of his desire to improve the team's position and performance.

"For me, I am more interested in making sure that we don't have three second pit-stops and lose 10 seconds of race time.

"We lost that in the second stint, and we should never have ended up in that situation, so we've reviewed everything, and it was unfortunate, and it cost us quite a lot being on the gearbox of Esteban [Ocon]. That is what is more important and important to work on for the coming races.

"Overall, as an individual, he has done well, and what was done last week doesn't reflect what he has achieved as a driver

"Was it his finest decision? No. But will he learn from it? Yes. But the nice thing overall is that he is doing a good job for the team, and I think it is important to pull in the same direction as a team, and this is what we need to do, especially in the times we currently are."