Franco Colapinto Criticizes Lance Stroll for Frequent On-Track Incidents

Franco Colapinto has sharply criticized Lance Stroll, accusing the Aston Martin driver of "always taking people out" following a clash with Gabriel Bortoleto at the São Paulo Grand Prix. This incident adds to a pattern of on-track altercations attributed to Stroll, raising questions about his spatial awareness during races.

Why it matters:

• Colapinto's strong remarks highlight growing frustrations among some drivers regarding Stroll's racing style, particularly his alleged lack of awareness in wheel-to-wheel combat.
• Such incidents not only impact the drivers involved but also affect team performance and championship standings, especially for newer talents like Bortoleto trying to make their mark.

The Details:

• The incident occurred during the opening lap of the São Paulo Grand Prix when Bortoleto made minor contact with Stroll near Turn 10, unsettling Bortoleto's car and sending him into the wall.
• This crash eliminated Bortoleto from his home grand prix, marking a difficult weekend that also included a sprint race retirement.
• Colapinto's Accusation: Colapinto directly blamed Stroll, stating, "Stroll is always taking people out, he's not looking in the mirrors. He put Gabriel in the wall, it's what he does every time."
• Bortoleto's Perspective: While disappointed, Bortoleto was less critical of Stroll, acknowledging the increased risk of starting from the back. He described it as a "racing incident," noting Stroll "opened a little bit more than what there was of space there" and clipped his front tire.
  • Bortoleto also admitted his own sprint race crash, which led to him missing qualifying and starting from the back, contributed to his precarious position.

Between the lines:

Colapinto's pointed remarks reflect a sentiment that occasionally surfaces within the paddock about certain drivers' perceived aggression or judgment. While racing incidents are common, repeated accusations can draw greater scrutiny from stewards and fellow competitors. Bortoleto's more tempered response, despite the immediate impact on his race, suggests a pragmatic view of racing risks, particularly when starting lower on the grid.

What's next:

This incident, and Colapinto's public comments, will likely contribute to the ongoing discussion about racing etiquette and driver conduct. While no immediate penalties were mentioned, the cumulative effect of such incidents could influence future steward decisions. For Bortoleto, the focus will be on bouncing back from a challenging home race and learning from the experience of navigating a crowded, aggressive opening lap.