During an emotionally charged weekend at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, an unexpected controversy between Max Verstappen and Franco Colapinto captured the attention of the Formula 1 world. During the live broadcast of the second free practice session at Imola, the four-time Dutch world champion expressed his frustration with a move by the young Argentinian driver, sparking a moment that quickly went viral. However, Colapinto’s witty and bold response not only shocked fans, but also prompted Verstappen to issue a public apology.
The incident occurred when Colapinto, making his official debut with Alpine, activated the DRS (Drag Reduction System) on the main straight, despite both cars having full tanks, a strategy uncommon in practice. Verstappen, who was trying to overtake him, exclaimed over the radio: “What is this guy doing? Using his DRS!” in a tone that many interpreted as contemptuous, including the phrase “How stupid he is!” that resonated among spectators. The official broadcast captured the moment, and social media, especially Argentine fans, were quick to react, fervently defending their compatriot.
Far from staying silent, Colapinto responded with a mix of humor and confidence that left everyone speechless. In a subsequent interview with ESPN, the 21-year-old driver commented: “If Max thinks I’m stupid, let him come and say it to my face. In the meantime, I’ll keep racing the way I know how.” This response, full of charisma and confidence, earned applause from the fans and put Verstappen in an awkward position. Online, users celebrated Colapinto’s defiant attitude, with comments like: “He’s Argentine, undisciplined, said Francis!”, alluding to a quote from the Pope.
Media pressure and massive support for Colapinto led Verstappen to issue a public apology the following day. In a press conference, the Dutchman clarified: “My words were taken out of context. I didn’t mean to offend Franco; he’s a great driver and is doing an incredible job. It was just a heated moment on the track.” This statement calmed the waters, but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the Argentine’s performance, who finished 13th in the second practice session, just 0.475 seconds behind his teammate Pierre Gasly.
The episode not only highlighted Colapinto’s emerging talent, but also demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and respond intelligently to a figure like Verstappen. With his return to Formula 1 after being a substitute, the youngster from Pilar is showing that he isn’t afraid to take on the big boys. This clash at Imola, far from being a simple clash, has cemented Colapinto as a name to watch, while Argentine fans already dream of seeing him shine in Monaco.
