Key Highlights:
- Alpine drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly were stripped of their P8 and P10 finishes at the Mexico City Grand Prix due to post-race yellow flag penalties.
- Stewards issued Colapinto a 10-second penalty and one penalty point, while Gasly received a severe stop-and-go conversion penalty and two penalty points.
- The ruling reshuffled the points-paying positions, promoting Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to P9 and Haas newcomer Ryo Hirakawa to P10.
Double Points Disqualification for Alpine After Post-Race Investigation
Alpine suffered a devastating blow following the conclusion of the Mexico City Grand Prix, losing a hard-fought double points finish after both Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly received post-race penalties for yellow flag infringements. Gasly had initially outqualified Colapinto at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but it was the Argentine driver who gained early momentum, executing a strong start to climb from 11th to seventh over the opening laps. Both racers navigated the challenging 71-lap contest cleanly on track to cross the finish line in eighth and 10th positions respectively, only to be summoned by the FIA stewards immediately after the chequered flag.
The post-race summons centered on failures to properly decelerate during yellow flag periods during the race. Colapinto was investigated for failing to respect a single waved yellow flag sector, while Gasly faced scrutiny for a more severe infraction within a double yellow flag zone. After assessing telemetry data, timing sheets, in-car camera footage, and marshalling systems, the panel determined that neither driver had met the strict speed-reduction thresholds mandated by the FIA Sporting Regulations.
Stewards Detail Colapinto and Gasly Infringements
The stewards evaluated Colapinto’s telemetry alongside photographic and video evidence presented by Alpine before applying a 10-second time penalty along with a single penalty point on his licence. The official stewards’ decision document regarding Car 43 stated:
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 43 (Colapinto), team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence.
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“The driver and team presented telemetry and photographic evidence claiming it demonstrated that the driver had complied with the regulations which state that the driver must reduce speed and be prepared to change direction.
“A detailed examination of the telemetry and on board camera failed to satisfy the Stewards that the driver had sufficiently reduced speed through that single yellow sector.
“In relation to the previous double yellow flag sector the Stewards determined that there was sufficient doubt that the driver had sufficient warning in order to comply with the requirements, so did not determine that there was any breach in relation to that sector.”
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Gasly received harsher sanctions for his conduct in a double waved yellow zone, resulting in two penalty points and a post-race stop-and-go penalty conversion that dropped him drastically down the final order. The stewards outlined the reasoning behind the penalty against Car 10:
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 10 (Gasly), team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence.
“The driver and team representative claimed that the driver had made a significant reduction in speed in the double yellow flag sector however a detailed examination of the telemetry and that of other cars passing through that sector, led the Stewards to conclude that the small reduction noted was not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the regulations.”
Final Classification Shakeup Promotes Rival Teams
The disqualifications altered the final lower-half points positions from the race. Combined with an earlier penalty served by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri for causing a collision, the changes allowed multiple midfield rivals to capitalize on Alpine’s misfortune. Liam Lawson officially secured seventh place (P7), while Gabriel Bortoleto claimed eighth (P8). The revised finishing order also elevated Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to ninth place (P9) and saw Haas newcomer Ryo Hirakawa claim the final championship point in 10th (P10).
Why This Matters
The strict enforcement of yellow flag procedures underscores the FIA’s absolute zero-tolerance approach toward trackside safety, particularly under double waved yellow scenarios where marshals or disabled cars may be actively on or near the circuit. For Alpine, discarding a double points finish carries severe implications in the tight battle for Constructors’ Championship standing. Conversely, the inherited points for Isack Hadjar and Ryo Hirakawa provide valuable momentum and unexpected gains for Red Bull and Haas at a pivotal stage of the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly penalized after the race?
Both Alpine drivers failed to sufficiently reduce their speed under yellow flag sectors at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Colapinto was penalized for failing to slow sufficiently in a single yellow zone, whereas Gasly failed to significantly reduce his speed in a double yellow flag sector.
What were the exact penalties handed to the Alpine drivers?
Franco Colapinto received a 10-second time penalty added to his elapsed race time alongside one penalty point on his licence. Pierre Gasly received a post-race converted stop-and-go time penalty and two penalty points.
Who benefited from the Alpine penalties in the revised top 10?
With Colapinto and Gasly dropping out of the top 10, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was promoted into ninth place (P9), and Haas newcomer Ryo Hirakawa advanced into 10th place (P10) to claim the final point.
