Aug.25 (GMM) Franco Colapinto has again found himself at the centre of controversy, this time after his main sponsor publicly accused FIA stewards of damaging Formula 1’s integrity.
The Alpine driver was penalised twice at Zandvoort for yellow-flag infringements, including a drive-through for passing Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s opening-lap crash unfolded.
Colapinto argued the stewards lacked the “judgement” to consider what was actually safest in the conditions.
“I feel that even though the rules are written, they should be much more flexible and they should have the criteria to also understand what’s safer or a bit more unsafe,” he said.
“It’s their job, but it’s also their job to be a bit flexible and understand the situation.”
Mercado Libre chief marketing officer Sean Summers then escalated the issue dramatically on social media.
“FIA stewards are killing the integrity of F1,” he blasted.
“This season they are proving to be horrible and impacting race results. Incompetence? Dishonesty? Both?”
“Something is seriously broken in that organisation’s culture.”
The comments prompted Alpine to distance the team from Summers’ attack while still agreeing that the penalties were severe.
“We fully trust the FIA and the Stewards when it comes to the policing of these rules and the application of sporting penalties during a live race scenario,” the team said in a statement.
“We believe the penalties applied for Yellow Flag Infringements during the opening laps of the Dutch Grand Prix were indeed harsh, but acknowledge they fit the punishment based on the letter of the law and were consistently applied across all competitors.”
It is not Colapinto’s first off-track controversy in recent weeks.
During the summer break, thieves emptied his car in Milan while he was eating at a restaurant he praised for its carbonara, taking his passport, wallet and clothes.
But it was Colapinto’s reaction that created headlines, after he initially wrote: “Who would have thought that Italians would steal everything from a Latino?”
He subsequently changed “Italians” to “Europeans” before removing the remark altogether following criticism.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES