Unseen Footage Shows Hamilton's Gesture to Colapinto in Miami

Previously unseen footage from the Miami Grand Prix shows Lewis Hamilton making an obscene gesture towards Alpine driver Franco Colapinto after contact on the opening lap damaged his Ferrari. The incident, which was not broadcast live, compromised Hamilton's car and contributed to a lackluster race, while Colapinto went on to score a career-best result for Alpine.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the intense, split-second frustrations drivers experience when early race contact jeopardizes their entire weekend. For Hamilton, the damage meant a significant performance deficit in a tight midfield battle. For Colapinto and Alpine, the race was a major success, showcasing the team's progress and the rookie's capability to mix it with a seven-time champion.

The details:

• The contact occurred as Hamilton attempted to overtake Colapinto around the outside of Turn 11 on the first lap. Colapinto fought the move, resulting in wheel-to-wheel contact.
• Ferrari reported the contact cost Hamilton's SF-25 approximately 15-20 points of downforce, a substantial aerodynamic loss that crippled his pace for the remaining 57 laps.
• The onboard footage shows Hamilton's clear frustration, culminating in the gesture as he passed the Alpine.
• Despite the damage, Hamilton finished seventh on the road and was promoted to sixth after teammate Charles Leclerc received a post-race time penalty.
• Colapinto, largely unaffected, drove a strong race to finish seventh, securing six crucial points for Alpine.

The big picture:

The race outcomes for both drivers tell a story of contrasting fortunes stemming from one moment. Hamilton's result was damage limitation in a car that should have been more competitive, continuing a challenging start to his Ferrari career. For Alpine, Colapinto's performance was a bright spot, helping the team leapfrog to fifth in the constructors' championship with 23 points—already more than its total from the entire 2023 season.

What's next:

The incident is unlikely to result in any further sporting penalties, but it serves as a reminder of the fine margins in F1. Hamilton will look to put the frustration behind him as Ferrari works to unlock more consistent performance from the SF-25. Alpine, buoyed by its best start to a season in years, will aim to consolidate its position in the competitive midfield, with Colapinto proving to be a valuable asset.