PALMER: Was Colapinto right to disobey team orders in Austin?
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer gives his take on the Argentine ignoring the team call to hold station behind Pierre Gasly in Austin – and what it might mean for his chances of keeping the seat next year.

/GettyImages-2242052199.webp)
Franco Colapinto drew the ire from his Alpine team for ignoring their call for him to sit behind Pierre Gasly in the final stages of the United States Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen approached to put a lap on both Alpine cars.
It was a call that clearly frustrated the Argentinian driver who hasn’t got a confirmed seat for 2026 yet – and with plenty to prove, he showed some fight on track.
Disobeying team orders is always risky business for a driver, particularly when you are eager for a new contract, but to be honest I didn’t mind seeing it from Colapinto here. Personally I felt the team orders were overkill from Alpine.
Next Up
Related Articles
OFFICIAL RACE PROGRAMME - 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
FIA Thursday press conference – Abu Dhabi
Paddock InsiderNorris, Verstappen or Piastri – the title showdown is here
Cadillac to reveal livery of first F1 car at Super Bowl
Lawson reveals emotions on keeping Racing Bulls seat for 2026
The ultimate fan guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
