Esteban Ocon recently apologized to Franco Colapinto after denying him an additional point at the United States Grand Prix. Ocon snatched the fastest lap, which Colapinto initially held while running in P10, meaning that Colapinto missed out on an extra bonus point. This point would have benefitted Colapinto and his team, Williams, in their close Constructors’ Championship battle with Alpine, who are striving to avoid a P9 finish. Colapinto, who debuted with Williams as Logan Sargeant’s replacement and has scored five points so far, missed the chance to boost his tally to six, which could further his reputation as a strong candidate for the Sauber/Audi seat in 2025.
Ocon explained that while he felt “sorry” for Colapinto, his priority was to act in Alpine’s best interests, especially with both teams vying for points in the Constructors’ standings. Despite finishing only in P18, meaning he could not claim the bonus point himself, Ocon’s fastest lap denied Williams this extra advantage. He noted his race was already compromised due to an early incident with Alex Albon, Colapinto’s Williams teammate, which limited his options. This tactical move illustrates the competitive nature of F1, where even a single point can impact a team’s position in the standings.
The Grand Prix weekend also saw Colapinto make headlines for a separate reason. During the pre-race grid walk, Sky F1’s Martin Brundle attempted to interview Colapinto, who declined due to his pre-race focus. Colapinto later clarified that he was not being dismissive but was fully focused on his race preparations and that it was simply not the right time for an on-the-spot interview. Brundle, known for his grid walk interactions and notable as a former F1 driver, had attempted to secure a quick chat, but Colapinto explained that he was on his way to the national anthem ceremony and preferred to stay concentrated on the task at hand.
Colapinto elaborated that he is still adjusting to the intense media presence in F1, especially around the grid. Having raced in other series, the Argentine driver is becoming accustomed to the unique rhythm and expectations of Formula 1 weekends, which include extensive media engagements and interviews, particularly before the race. His press officer at Williams, Connor Bean, has played a significant role in managing Colapinto’s media commitments, helping him stay focused on racing. Colapinto’s disciplined approach has helped him remain dedicated to the driving demands of F1.
Despite the media attention, Colapinto expressed that he does enjoy interacting with the media post-race but prefers to avoid such engagements right before a race to maintain his concentration. Looking ahead to the Mexican Grand Prix, Colapinto remains determined to improve his performance and manage the increasing attention around his potential F1 future, balancing his professional growth with his commitment to performing on track.
