Franco Colapinto softens tone as Alpine removes critical statement

Franco Colapinto has struck a more conciliatory note ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix after Alpine quietly took down a social-media post that had condemned his defiance of team orders in Austin.

The deleted post had quoted team manager Steve Nielsen describing Colapinto’s actions as “disappointing” and vowing an internal review, but its sudden disappearance from Alpine’s feeds early this week suggested a behind-the-scenes truce was being sought.

Colapinto has since moved to calm the situation. "The team situation on Sunday has been discussed internally and it is clear that instructions by the team must always be followed no matter what," he said.

"We are all together, and we are all working towards the same goal to keep getting better with each session and each race weekend."

The 22-year-old Argentine had sparked controversy in Austin when he overtook teammate Pierre Gasly for 17th place despite being told to hold position, a move that prompted rare public criticism from Enstone’s leadership.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Alpine junior Paul Aron will take Gasly’s car for Friday practice in Mexico City. The outing fulfils the team's rookie-session requirement, but the timing has been noted by observers given speculation about Colapinto’s long-term prospects.

Aron, the team’s 21-year-old reserve, is regarded as next in line for a full-time seat should Alpine decide to reshuffle its lineup.