Alpine driver Franco Colapinto and a Mercadolibre executive criticized the FIA stewards for penalizing Colapinto during the opening laps of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The incident occurred as Colapinto attempted to overtake Yuki Tsunoda while yellow flags were active following Max Verstappen’s crash ahead.
Race officials later stopped the race under red flags, but stewards still issued a penalty to Colapinto for the overtake under yellow-flag conditions. The decision drew immediate pushback from Colapinto and Mercadolibre’s chief marketing officer, who argued the penalty was inconsistent with the race’s chaotic start.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about stewards’ interpretations of flag rules in high-pressure race situations. Colapinto’s team is expected to review the decision further before deciding on any formal appeal.
