Ocon Apologizes to Colapinto for Stealing Fastest Lap in Austin

Esteban Ocon has apologized to Franco Colapinto for stealing the fastest lap in the US Grand Prix.

Ocon's apology came after he took the fastest lap from Colapinto in the final stages of the race.

Colapinto, driving for Williams, had a strong performance and finished 10th.

While working on the final lap, Colapinto had set the fastest lap using medium tires, which would have given him an extra point.

However, Alpine decided to switch to soft tires for Ocon in the final lap, allowing him to take the fastest lap.

Given that Williams and Alpine are competing in the constructors' championship with only four points separating them, the extra point from the fastest lap was crucial.

Ocon wrote on social media: "Our race was disrupted on lap 1 after being hit from behind. We managed to recover some positions, but not much could be done after the start.

"We still managed to take the fastest lap for the team at the end - sorry to Franco because he deserved it.

"We'll try again next week... Nos vemos pronto Mexico!"

Colapinto discussed the incident in a post-race interview with ESPN.

Speaking in Spanish, Colapinto joked: "Why did they change the tires, bro? We have to save the planet. Give it back to me.

"The Argentine driver has been impressive since replacing Logan Sargeant in the Italian Grand Prix.

He has been a strong competitor to Alex Albon and has already scored points twice.

However, with only one seat available on the 2025 F1 grid, he may have to spend next year on the sidelines.