Ricciardo: Max is so good it's almost funny!
Daniel Ricciardo believes that performances like the one we saw from Max Verstappen in Austin make the 2025 World Championship even more exciting, as the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver can once again be considered a genuine title contender. Convincing wins in both races of the American weekend earned Max 33 points, and because the leader in the drivers' standings, Oscar Piastri, scored only 10, the Australian's lead was cut by 23 points. There are still five Grands Prix and two sprints to run before the end of the season. If things continue like this and Piastri does not return to the form he showed in the first half of the season, his title chances will become remote. After the Dutch round he had a 104-point lead over Verstappen, and now that margin has been reduced to 40. The same can be said of Lando Norris, who is only 26 points behind Verstappen.
Daniel Ricciardo believes that performances like the one we saw from Max Verstappen in Austin make the 2025 World Championship even more exciting, as the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver can once again be considered a genuine title contender. Convincing wins in both races of the American weekend earned Max 33 points, and because the leader in the drivers' standings, Oscar Piastri, scored only 10, the Australian's lead was cut by 23 points. There are still five Grands Prix and two sprints to run before the end of the season. If things continue like this and Piastri does not return to the form he showed in the first half of the season, his title chances will become remote. After the Dutch round he had a 104-point lead over Verstappen, and now that margin has been reduced to 40. The same can be said of Lando Norris, who is only 26 points behind Verstappen.
Haas expect to fight for points in Mexico
The Haas team continues the fight for eighth place in the Constructors' Championship. In the previous two rounds Oliver Bearman scored four points, and the team is hoping to continue the scoring run in Mexico.
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a truly unique circuit. It is located at a very high altitude above sea level, which means that aero packages designed for high downforce actually produce low downforce, and on top of that there are serious cooling problems.
Assessing the VF‑25 high‑downforce package, and given that we are largely doing everything right, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to fight for points.
I'm not fixated on the result itself — it will be what it will be — but we need to focus on the process, on what exactly we are doing and what approach we are taking."
Oliver Bearman: "I'm glad to be returning to Mexico.
The Haas team continues the fight for eighth place in the Constructors' Championship. In the previous two rounds Oliver Bearman scored four points, and the team is hoping to continue the scoring run in Mexico.
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a truly unique circuit. It is located at a very high altitude above sea level, which means that aero packages designed for high downforce actually produce low downforce, and on top of that there are serious cooling problems.
Assessing the VF‑25 high‑downforce package, and given that we are largely doing everything right, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to fight for points.
I'm not fixated on the result itself — it will be what it will be — but we need to focus on the process, on what exactly we are doing and what approach we are taking."
Oliver Bearman: "I'm glad to be returning to Mexico.
Piastri: I still believe I can win the title.
Oscar Piastri is confident that his experience fighting for titles in junior series will help him now, as he leads the world championship, but his advantage continues to shrink rapidly.
Last weekend in Austin was fairly unfortunate for him — Oscar retired in the very first seconds of Saturday's sprint, and many tend to consider him the main culprit for the start-line incident; in Sunday's Grand Prix he finished only fifth.
Meanwhile Max Verstappen won both races of the American round, taking all 33 points, while Lando Norris finished second, which allowed him to reduce the gap to his McLaren teammate in the drivers' standings to 14 points.
Oscar Piastri is confident that his experience fighting for titles in junior series will help him now, as he leads the world championship, but his advantage continues to shrink rapidly.
Last weekend in Austin was fairly unfortunate for him — Oscar retired in the very first seconds of Saturday's sprint, and many tend to consider him the main culprit for the start-line incident; in Sunday's Grand Prix he finished only fifth.
Meanwhile Max Verstappen won both races of the American round, taking all 33 points, while Lando Norris finished second, which allowed him to reduce the gap to his McLaren teammate in the drivers' standings to 14 points.
Red Bull penalized for 'tape-gate' altercation with McLaren.
"Currently, there are no prohibitions."
Red Bull's celebrations following Max Verstappen's commanding victory at the United States GP were momentarily interrupted when the FIA called the team regarding an unusual incident in the grid lane, which resulted in a 50,000 euros fine—half of which is suspended. According to the stewards' report released on Sunday, a member of the Red Bull team "re-entered the gate well area near the second grid position after the formation lap had begun," disregarding the marshals' instructions as the pit lane gate was being closed.
"Currently, there are no prohibitions."
Red Bull's celebrations following Max Verstappen's commanding victory at the United States GP were momentarily interrupted when the FIA called the team regarding an unusual incident in the grid lane, which resulted in a 50,000 euros fine—half of which is suspended. According to the stewards' report released on Sunday, a member of the Red Bull team "re-entered the gate well area near the second grid position after the formation lap had begun," disregarding the marshals' instructions as the pit lane gate was being closed.
Stella pushes back against 'number 1' discussions as the pressure increases.
Despite Max Verstappen's title challenge intensifying the championship race, McLaren remains steadfast in their stance that neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris will be designated as the 'number 1' driver. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies commented after the Austin race that McLaren’s consideration of this issue is "exactly what they should be doing."
"To be completely honest, it's not something I'm focused on at all," the Frenchman stated. "This is the right approach for McLaren. I don’t have an opinion on it—it's up to them." Verstappen's commanding performance in Texas has reduced Piastri's lead to just 40 points, with Norris also closing the gap. However, Piastri dismissed the notion of elevating one driver over the other.
"I don’t think that's the case," the Australian said.
Despite Max Verstappen's title challenge intensifying the championship race, McLaren remains steadfast in their stance that neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris will be designated as the 'number 1' driver. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies commented after the Austin race that McLaren’s consideration of this issue is "exactly what they should be doing."
"To be completely honest, it's not something I'm focused on at all," the Frenchman stated. "This is the right approach for McLaren. I don’t have an opinion on it—it's up to them." Verstappen's commanding performance in Texas has reduced Piastri's lead to just 40 points, with Norris also closing the gap. However, Piastri dismissed the notion of elevating one driver over the other.
"I don’t think that's the case," the Australian said.
Krack counters Alonso's grim evaluation of Aston.
"Only Alpine trails us"
Former Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has sought to mitigate Fernando Alonso’s increasingly pessimistic view of the team’s performance, emphasizing that the situation isn't as dire as it seems. Alonso referred to the AMR25 as "the ninth fastest car" after barely securing a single point for a tenth-place finish in Austin, cautioning that Aston is currently in a "no man’s land."
"The top four teams are in a different category," Alonso stated. "Williams is in the middle. Haas were quicker, and I can’t even speculate about Sauber, while Racing Bulls were behind us throughout the race - they had a gap. "Only Alpine is behind us. So with the ninth car, we earned a point. I’m pleased with that."
The Spanish driver, now evidently looking ahead to Adrian Newey’s 2026 car, remarked: "A point is better than nothing, but it’s acceptable.
"Only Alpine trails us"
Former Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has sought to mitigate Fernando Alonso’s increasingly pessimistic view of the team’s performance, emphasizing that the situation isn't as dire as it seems. Alonso referred to the AMR25 as "the ninth fastest car" after barely securing a single point for a tenth-place finish in Austin, cautioning that Aston is currently in a "no man’s land."
"The top four teams are in a different category," Alonso stated. "Williams is in the middle. Haas were quicker, and I can’t even speculate about Sauber, while Racing Bulls were behind us throughout the race - they had a gap. "Only Alpine is behind us. So with the ninth car, we earned a point. I’m pleased with that."
The Spanish driver, now evidently looking ahead to Adrian Newey’s 2026 car, remarked: "A point is better than nothing, but it’s acceptable.
Russell describes 'boring' F1 as now being 'a race to Turn 1'.
"You need to make two or three pitstops during a race."
George Russell believes that the current era of Formula 1 has become more predictable, with track position and tire management leaving limited opportunities for competitive racing after the first corner. The Mercedes driver, who placed sixth in Austin after starting from fourth, noted that the United States GP exemplified this issue.
"Before the race even began, I sensed that the placement after the first corner would determine the final positions, and sadly, that turned out to be true," Russell commented. "At this moment, qualifying and the first corner dictate the outcome of the race. There's minimal tire degradation, with only three-tenths of a second separating the fastest and slowest cars in the top six, and typically, gaining an overtake requires at least half a second.
"You need to make two or three pitstops during a race."
George Russell believes that the current era of Formula 1 has become more predictable, with track position and tire management leaving limited opportunities for competitive racing after the first corner. The Mercedes driver, who placed sixth in Austin after starting from fourth, noted that the United States GP exemplified this issue.
"Before the race even began, I sensed that the placement after the first corner would determine the final positions, and sadly, that turned out to be true," Russell commented. "At this moment, qualifying and the first corner dictate the outcome of the race. There's minimal tire degradation, with only three-tenths of a second separating the fastest and slowest cars in the top six, and typically, gaining an overtake requires at least half a second.
Verstappen supports Rovanpera's 'crazy' move to F1.
"Transitioning to Super Formula is a significant step"
Max Verstappen has expressed his full support for Kalle Rovanpera’s surprising choice to leave rally driving in favor of a path toward Formula 1, even if it represents one of the most dramatic career shifts in motorsport in recent years. "It's a bold move, but I admire it," Verstappen shared with Viaplay in Austin. "Naturally, I'd enjoy seeing him continue in rallying as well, since it's a thrilling sport to watch. Moving to Super Formula is a substantial transition."
The reigning four-time world champion mentioned his interest in observing how the Finnish talent adjusts to single-seater racing. "He faces a significant challenge, yet he possesses great skill. I'm eager to see how everything unfolds," Verstappen remarked.
"Transitioning to Super Formula is a significant step"
Max Verstappen has expressed his full support for Kalle Rovanpera’s surprising choice to leave rally driving in favor of a path toward Formula 1, even if it represents one of the most dramatic career shifts in motorsport in recent years. "It's a bold move, but I admire it," Verstappen shared with Viaplay in Austin. "Naturally, I'd enjoy seeing him continue in rallying as well, since it's a thrilling sport to watch. Moving to Super Formula is a substantial transition."
The reigning four-time world champion mentioned his interest in observing how the Finnish talent adjusts to single-seater racing. "He faces a significant challenge, yet he possesses great skill. I'm eager to see how everything unfolds," Verstappen remarked.
Madrid's F1 preparations are 'progressing ahead of timeline'.
"We will begin paving the stadium in the upcoming days."
Preparations in Madrid to host the Spanish GP starting in 2026 are "advancing more rapidly than anticipated," as reported by regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso, who visited Austin this past weekend to learn about the global management of Formula 1 events. Speaking to DAZN from the Circuit of the Americas, where F1 announced a new agreement to keep the United States GP until 2034, Ayuso confirmed that the construction of the new Madring street circuit is progressing quickly.
"The work is going well - indeed, it’s moving faster than expected," she stated. "We will start paving the stadium shortly, and our focus is on the access points to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible for everyone.
"We will begin paving the stadium in the upcoming days."
Preparations in Madrid to host the Spanish GP starting in 2026 are "advancing more rapidly than anticipated," as reported by regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso, who visited Austin this past weekend to learn about the global management of Formula 1 events. Speaking to DAZN from the Circuit of the Americas, where F1 announced a new agreement to keep the United States GP until 2034, Ayuso confirmed that the construction of the new Madring street circuit is progressing quickly.
"The work is going well - indeed, it’s moving faster than expected," she stated. "We will start paving the stadium shortly, and our focus is on the access points to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible for everyone.
Max Verstappen: I don't like to speculate.
After the US Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, who took a convincing victory and scored 33 points over the American weekend, commented on its outcome. Although his chances for the title have clearly improved, he made it clear that he is trying not to think about what awaits him in the remaining rounds of the season...
Question: Max, congratulations on a convincing victory! Tell us how the race unfolded?
Max Verstappen: Yes, the weekend was perfect. I think the most important part of the race was the first stint, when I managed to create a small gap, because after the pit stop everything mostly stabilized and I simply drove to the finish.
I think it was very important to manage the tyres correctly, and that wasn't easy, because on some laps there were some odd sensations related to balance and grip.
After the US Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, who took a convincing victory and scored 33 points over the American weekend, commented on its outcome. Although his chances for the title have clearly improved, he made it clear that he is trying not to think about what awaits him in the remaining rounds of the season...
Question: Max, congratulations on a convincing victory! Tell us how the race unfolded?
Max Verstappen: Yes, the weekend was perfect. I think the most important part of the race was the first stint, when I managed to create a small gap, because after the pit stop everything mostly stabilized and I simply drove to the finish.
I think it was very important to manage the tyres correctly, and that wasn't easy, because on some laps there were some odd sensations related to balance and grip.
Formula 2: Colton Herta became an Hitech driver
British team Hitech has confirmed that Colton Herta will compete for them in Formula 2 in the 2026 season.
The 25-year-old Californian is a thoroughly experienced professional, with seven full seasons in IndyCar behind him, where he has stood on the podium 19 times, claimed 16 poles and taken 9 wins. In 2024 he finished as the series runner-up.
In his youth Colton also raced in Europe, notably finishing second in the Spanish Formula 3 championship in 2016. He also remains the youngest driver ever to win in IndyCar, but is now starting a new chapter in his career, becoming a test driver for the new Cadillac F1 team. Herta is moving to Formula 2 in part to earn the FIA superlicence required to race in F1.
Colton Herta: "I'm incredibly excited to join Hitech and to compete in Formula 2 for them in the 2026 season.
British team Hitech has confirmed that Colton Herta will compete for them in Formula 2 in the 2026 season.
The 25-year-old Californian is a thoroughly experienced professional, with seven full seasons in IndyCar behind him, where he has stood on the podium 19 times, claimed 16 poles and taken 9 wins. In 2024 he finished as the series runner-up.
In his youth Colton also raced in Europe, notably finishing second in the Spanish Formula 3 championship in 2016. He also remains the youngest driver ever to win in IndyCar, but is now starting a new chapter in his career, becoming a test driver for the new Cadillac F1 team. Herta is moving to Formula 2 in part to earn the FIA superlicence required to race in F1.
Colton Herta: "I'm incredibly excited to join Hitech and to compete in Formula 2 for them in the 2026 season.
WEC: Da Costa has signed a contract with Alpine Endurance Team
António Félix da Costa returns to the WEC after a two-year break: the 34-year-old Portuguese driver has signed with the Alpine factory team and will drive one of its hypercars next season.
It is not the first time he has combined competing in Formula E, where he moved to Jaguar, with endurance racing; in the past he did so very successfully and in 2022 won the world championship in LMP2 with Jota. He also drove a car from that British team of a higher class: in 2023 it was already the Porsche 963 hypercar, so LMDh machinery is also familiar to him.
António Félix da Costa: “I am happy to join the Alpine Endurance Team. Returning to the World Endurance Championship was one of my main goals, and I am very pleased to be doing it as part of an ambitious factory team that is currently fighting for strong results in the WEC.
António Félix da Costa returns to the WEC after a two-year break: the 34-year-old Portuguese driver has signed with the Alpine factory team and will drive one of its hypercars next season.
It is not the first time he has combined competing in Formula E, where he moved to Jaguar, with endurance racing; in the past he did so very successfully and in 2022 won the world championship in LMP2 with Jota. He also drove a car from that British team of a higher class: in 2023 it was already the Porsche 963 hypercar, so LMDh machinery is also familiar to him.
António Félix da Costa: “I am happy to join the Alpine Endurance Team. Returning to the World Endurance Championship was one of my main goals, and I am very pleased to be doing it as part of an ambitious factory team that is currently fighting for strong results in the WEC.
Wolff: Max has a psychological advantage over McLaren
Max Verstappen continues to cut the deficit in the drivers' championship to the McLaren drivers. After his win in Austin the Red Bull Racing driver is 26 points behind Lando Norris and 40 behind Oscar Piastri. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is convinced that Max has already gained a psychological advantage over his rivals, and that increases his chances of a fifth consecutive title.
Toto Wolff: "I've been in a situation before when two drivers from my team were fighting each other for the title, and at some point a third started to catch up with them. I think that was Sebastian Vettel, and later Max. The one who is behind always has a slight psychological advantage, because his chance of winning is perceived as lower.
At the moment the odds for the title are definitely not in Max's favour, but one retirement from his rivals can change everything.
Max Verstappen continues to cut the deficit in the drivers' championship to the McLaren drivers. After his win in Austin the Red Bull Racing driver is 26 points behind Lando Norris and 40 behind Oscar Piastri. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is convinced that Max has already gained a psychological advantage over his rivals, and that increases his chances of a fifth consecutive title.
Toto Wolff: "I've been in a situation before when two drivers from my team were fighting each other for the title, and at some point a third started to catch up with them. I think that was Sebastian Vettel, and later Max. The one who is behind always has a slight psychological advantage, because his chance of winning is perceived as lower.
At the moment the odds for the title are definitely not in Max's favour, but one retirement from his rivals can change everything.
Colton Herta Makes Important Progress Toward Securing a Cadillac F1 Racing Position.
Geoff Miller via Getty
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Cadillac F1 Team test driver Colton Herta is set to race with the esteemed Hitech Formula 2 team starting in 2026, which should provide him with the essential experience and confidence to compete globally in the upcoming years. This transition will fully immerse him in the European single-seater circuit, which is crucial for his aspirations in Formula 1.
Herta deserves recognition for taking this step. He is leaving a relatively secure position in IndyCar to pursue his ambition of racing in F1.
Geoff Miller via Getty
The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff
Our daily newsletter delivers the important stories directly to you, every weekday, at no cost.
Cadillac F1 Team test driver Colton Herta is set to race with the esteemed Hitech Formula 2 team starting in 2026, which should provide him with the essential experience and confidence to compete globally in the upcoming years. This transition will fully immerse him in the European single-seater circuit, which is crucial for his aspirations in Formula 1.
Herta deserves recognition for taking this step. He is leaving a relatively secure position in IndyCar to pursue his ambition of racing in F1.
Pato O'Ward will replace Norris during practice in Mexico City.
Pato O’Ward will return behind the wheel of the McLaren at the Mexican Grand Prix and will take part in the first free practice session, replacing Lando Norris. For the Mexican driver this will be his fourth appearance at an official Formula 1 race weekend. In 2022 and 2023 he drove in the practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, and last year — at his home circuit.
Lando Norris: "I’m very much looking forward to the trip to Mexico. I like the city, and the track is interesting to drive. There are lots of fans in the city who love Formula 1, so I’m looking forward to feeling their energy. After finishing on the podium in Austin I want to build on that result and fight for more points this weekend.
Pato O’Ward will return behind the wheel of the McLaren at the Mexican Grand Prix and will take part in the first free practice session, replacing Lando Norris. For the Mexican driver this will be his fourth appearance at an official Formula 1 race weekend. In 2022 and 2023 he drove in the practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, and last year — at his home circuit.
Lando Norris: "I’m very much looking forward to the trip to Mexico. I like the city, and the track is interesting to drive. There are lots of fans in the city who love Formula 1, so I’m looking forward to feeling their energy. After finishing on the podium in Austin I want to build on that result and fight for more points this weekend.
Mercedes hope to bounce back after the setback in the United States.
The recent round in Austin was unsuccessful for Mercedes. The team scored just 16 points — the fewest among the group of leaders. Team principal Toto Wolff hopes to make up for it this weekend in Mexico.
Toto Wolff: "There are five races left in the season, and only ten points separate second and fourth in the Constructors' Championship. We struggled in Austin and our rivals got the better of us. But the team has a chance to make up for it straightaway this weekend in Mexico. The fight will be intense right up to the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi, and we like that.
In Mexico we will face unique challenges. Because of the high altitude the brakes and power unit are under significant strain, and because of the thin air the car must be set up for high downforce.
The recent round in Austin was unsuccessful for Mercedes. The team scored just 16 points — the fewest among the group of leaders. Team principal Toto Wolff hopes to make up for it this weekend in Mexico.
Toto Wolff: "There are five races left in the season, and only ten points separate second and fourth in the Constructors' Championship. We struggled in Austin and our rivals got the better of us. But the team has a chance to make up for it straightaway this weekend in Mexico. The fight will be intense right up to the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi, and we like that.
In Mexico we will face unique challenges. Because of the high altitude the brakes and power unit are under significant strain, and because of the thin air the car must be set up for high downforce.
Pirelli will conduct compound tests in Mexico for 2026.
As with the Austin round, for the Mexico Grand Prix Pirelli's tyre division did not select a consecutive range of compounds but took a less conventional approach: Medium and Soft remain the same C4 and C5 as in 2024, but this time C2 will be used as the Hard.
The Italian company admits that this selection is a very conservative choice and, compared with the other two, the hard tyres will be clearly slower, partly because grip on them is expected to be worse.
A year ago the Soft tyre was used in Mexico mainly in qualifying, and in the race only by teams aiming to set the fastest lap. This time the picture may change — at least Pirelli hopes so.
Medium and Soft tyres will provide a significant pace advantage over the hard tyres, so these compounds will be used predominantly on Sunday.
As with the Austin round, for the Mexico Grand Prix Pirelli's tyre division did not select a consecutive range of compounds but took a less conventional approach: Medium and Soft remain the same C4 and C5 as in 2024, but this time C2 will be used as the Hard.
The Italian company admits that this selection is a very conservative choice and, compared with the other two, the hard tyres will be clearly slower, partly because grip on them is expected to be worse.
A year ago the Soft tyre was used in Mexico mainly in qualifying, and in the race only by teams aiming to set the fastest lap. This time the picture may change — at least Pirelli hopes so.
Medium and Soft tyres will provide a significant pace advantage over the hard tyres, so these compounds will be used predominantly on Sunday.
At the previous round in Austin, Nico Hülkenberg scored his first points since the podium in Silverstone. The German Sauber driver is determined to consolidate that success in Mexico. His teammate Gabriel Bortoleto was inconspicuous in Austin and now wants to make up for it at the upcoming round.
Nico Hülkenberg: "It was great to score points in Austin, and I'm heading to Mexico in a good mood this week. We face a special race on an old-school circuit that's interesting to drive, and the stands fill with passionate fans. After a good result last weekend, our goal is to consolidate the success. The high altitude will be a challenge and will affect the car's behaviour, but we remain focused and will try to do everything we can to have a strong weekend."
Gabriel Bortoleto: "I'm looking forward to the Mexico round this weekend. I've heard so much about the atmosphere and energy of the local fans that I want to experience it all in person. In addition, this circuit has a rich history, and although the final sector has changed significantly, some of Formula 1's greatest drivers have still competed here over the years. I want to leave the difficult weekend in Austin behind and focus on steady progress. Nico scored points and showed what our car is capable of, and I'm determined to get back to that level. This weekend I'll have three practice sessions at my disposal, so I'll be able to learn the track and progress from session to session. I want to make the most of the time on track and put in a strong performance."
Nico Hülkenberg: "It was great to score points in Austin, and I'm heading to Mexico in a good mood this week. We face a special race on an old-school circuit that's interesting to drive, and the stands fill with passionate fans. After a good result last weekend, our goal is to consolidate the success. The high altitude will be a challenge and will affect the car's behaviour, but we remain focused and will try to do everything we can to have a strong weekend."
Gabriel Bortoleto: "I'm looking forward to the Mexico round this weekend. I've heard so much about the atmosphere and energy of the local fans that I want to experience it all in person. In addition, this circuit has a rich history, and although the final sector has changed significantly, some of Formula 1's greatest drivers have still competed here over the years. I want to leave the difficult weekend in Austin behind and focus on steady progress. Nico scored points and showed what our car is capable of, and I'm determined to get back to that level. This weekend I'll have three practice sessions at my disposal, so I'll be able to learn the track and progress from session to session. I want to make the most of the time on track and put in a strong performance."
In the final laps of the race in Austin, Franco Colapinto disobeyed team instructions and overtook his teammate. Such behavior from the young driver did not sit well with Alpine management, and he was spoken to. In a press release published ahead of the Mexico round, Franco said that team instructions must be followed unconditionally in any situation.
Additionally, Alpine confirmed Paul Aron’s participation in the first practice session. The Estonian driver will replace Pierre Gasly at the wheel of the A525 for one hour in Mexico.
Franco Colapinto: "The weekend in Austin was difficult, and I had serious problems with the car. Only one practice, difficult conditions and the inability to find the right balance — all of this made it a tough weekend for me.
We need to understand why we have so many problems with the car. The team is working on resolving them for the future, although we understand that with the current car we face a challenging end to the season.
As for the team situation on Sunday, we discussed what happened within the team. Obviously, team instructions must be followed at all times, no matter what. We are all working together toward a common goal — to make progress in every session and at each race weekend.
I am now looking forward to the Mexico round, where the atmosphere is always amazing. It's great to receive so much support for the upcoming weekend, although the track's high altitude will create additional challenges. But I am happy to return to the track in front of such an incredible crowd."
Pierre Gasly: "We analyzed a lot after Austin. In the second half of the race our pace was far from its true potential, because I got stuck in traffic after an unsuccessful pit stop, which we will discuss with the team.
Up until that moment I believed we had good potential, especially after a successful qualifying and a competitive pace in the sprint. On Sunday evening after the race we immediately started a debrief to review the weekend. I know that a lot of work has already been done in preparation for the race in Mexico.
As planned, I will hand the car to Paul Aron in the first practice. I will try to get up to speed quickly in the second session and adapt to a track that is very different from COTA and has a number of unique characteristics."
Paul Aron: "I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the A525 in my next practice with the team. I enjoyed the experience gained in the Monza practice, as it proved very useful for my development and understanding of the car. I am ready to build on that experience this weekend in Mexico in Pierre's car.
The track is very different from all those I have raced on. Due to its high altitude above sea level, the car's behavior and setup differ greatly from other circuits, but I am ready for the challenge.
I am grateful to the team for the opportunity and will do everything to help deliver a competitive weekend."
Additionally, Alpine confirmed Paul Aron’s participation in the first practice session. The Estonian driver will replace Pierre Gasly at the wheel of the A525 for one hour in Mexico.
Franco Colapinto: "The weekend in Austin was difficult, and I had serious problems with the car. Only one practice, difficult conditions and the inability to find the right balance — all of this made it a tough weekend for me.
We need to understand why we have so many problems with the car. The team is working on resolving them for the future, although we understand that with the current car we face a challenging end to the season.
As for the team situation on Sunday, we discussed what happened within the team. Obviously, team instructions must be followed at all times, no matter what. We are all working together toward a common goal — to make progress in every session and at each race weekend.
I am now looking forward to the Mexico round, where the atmosphere is always amazing. It's great to receive so much support for the upcoming weekend, although the track's high altitude will create additional challenges. But I am happy to return to the track in front of such an incredible crowd."
Pierre Gasly: "We analyzed a lot after Austin. In the second half of the race our pace was far from its true potential, because I got stuck in traffic after an unsuccessful pit stop, which we will discuss with the team.
Up until that moment I believed we had good potential, especially after a successful qualifying and a competitive pace in the sprint. On Sunday evening after the race we immediately started a debrief to review the weekend. I know that a lot of work has already been done in preparation for the race in Mexico.
As planned, I will hand the car to Paul Aron in the first practice. I will try to get up to speed quickly in the second session and adapt to a track that is very different from COTA and has a number of unique characteristics."
Paul Aron: "I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the A525 in my next practice with the team. I enjoyed the experience gained in the Monza practice, as it proved very useful for my development and understanding of the car. I am ready to build on that experience this weekend in Mexico in Pierre's car.
The track is very different from all those I have raced on. Due to its high altitude above sea level, the car's behavior and setup differ greatly from other circuits, but I am ready for the challenge.
I am grateful to the team for the opportunity and will do everything to help deliver a competitive weekend."
Colapinto retraces his steps after Alpine removes a critical post.
"Instructions from the team must always be adhered to."
Franco Colapinto has released a conciliatory statement ahead of the Mexican GP after Alpine discreetly removed a previous social media post that criticized his disregard for team orders in Austin. The post, which featured a quote from team manager Steve Nielsen labeling Colapinto’s actions as "disappointing" and mentioning an upcoming internal review, vanished from Alpine’s official channels earlier this week—leading to speculation that any underlying tensions were being resolved behind closed doors.
Now, the 22-year-old Argentine has taken a much more composed approach. "The team situation on Sunday has been discussed internally, and it is evident that instructions from the team must always be followed, regardless of the circumstances," Colapinto stated.
"Instructions from the team must always be adhered to."
Franco Colapinto has released a conciliatory statement ahead of the Mexican GP after Alpine discreetly removed a previous social media post that criticized his disregard for team orders in Austin. The post, which featured a quote from team manager Steve Nielsen labeling Colapinto’s actions as "disappointing" and mentioning an upcoming internal review, vanished from Alpine’s official channels earlier this week—leading to speculation that any underlying tensions were being resolved behind closed doors.
Now, the 22-year-old Argentine has taken a much more composed approach. "The team situation on Sunday has been discussed internally, and it is evident that instructions from the team must always be followed, regardless of the circumstances," Colapinto stated.