« Completely Unnecessary »: Colapinto Blasts Stroll for Bortoleto Clash in Brazil
Alpine’s rookie Franco Colapinto has not held back in his assessment of the São Paulo Grand Prix, aiming sharp criticism at Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll for the opening-lap incident that involved fellow rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Colapinto, who finished just outside the points, labeled Stroll’s driving as « unnecessary » and « overly aggressive » for that stage of the race.
The Incident: A First-Lap Tangle
The controversy unfolded during the chaotic first lap at Interlagos. As the field jostled for position heading into the ‘Senna S’ complex, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto was holding his line on the outside of Turn 4. Lance Stroll, attempting to gain multiple positions, made an ambitious move up the inside.
However, Stroll’s Aston Martin understeered on entry and made contact with the sidepod of Bortoleto’s car. The impact sent the Brazilian rookie into a spin, damaging his floor and rear suspension. While Stroll was able to continue (albeit with damage), Bortoleto’s race was effectively ruined, leading to his eventual retirement.
Colapinto’s Stern Criticism
When asked about the on-track battles during his post-race media debrief, Colapinto brought the Stroll-Bortoleto clash up unprompted, defending his fellow rookie.
« I saw the replay, and for me, it was completely unnecessary from Lance, » Colapinto stated bluntly. « It’s the first lap. We all know how tight it is here. You can’t win the race in Turn 4, but you can certainly end someone else’s. »
The Alpine driver suggested that Stroll, as a veteran of the sport, should have shown better judgment, especially when racing one of the grid’s newcomers.
« He wasn’t fully alongside, he locked up, and he just drove into Gabriel like he wasn’t there, » Colapinto continued. « It’s frustrating to see. Gabriel had a good start, and his race was over because of a move that was never really on. [Stroll] has been in F1 for years; he should know better. »
The Aftermath and Stewards’ View
The stewards investigated the lap-one incident but ultimately deemed it a « first lap racing incident, » deciding that the chaotic nature of the start made it difficult to apportion blame entirely to one driver. No further action was taken, a decision that clearly contrasts with Colapinto’s assessment.
Stroll, who finished the race in 14th, defended his move as « hard racing, » telling reporters he « had a run » and « went for the gap. »
Bortoleto was diplomatic but visibly disappointed. « The contact was a shame. I tried to give space, but I was hit. That’s racing sometimes, but it’s a hard way to end the weekend, » the Sauber driver said.
Colapinto’s willingness to publicly call out an experienced driver like Stroll highlights the solidarity among the 2025 rookie class and adds a new layer of tension as the season heads into its final races.
Sources
- Post-Race Media Scrum, São Paulo Grand Prix.
- FIA Stewards’ Report, Document 42.
- Sky Sports F1, « Colapinto criticizes ‘unnecessary’ Stroll move. »
- Sauber F1 Team, Post-Race Press Release.