Alpine has once again spoken out to condemn the wave of online abuse directed at Franco Colapinto and others in the Formula 1 community following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident involving the Argentine driver, Lando Norris, and Pierre Gasly on the Safety Car restart triggered a barrage of verbal attacks on social media.
In an official statement, the Enstone-based team stressed that online hate should not be part of the racing culture. "As a team, we feel it's necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix," Alpine said. "Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula 1 community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport."
Alpine also emphasised that mistakes are inevitable when drivers push to the limit. "Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments." They added that the message is universal and not aimed at any one fan base.
The incident in Baku began when Colapinto locked up and collided with his teammate, Gasly, who then hit Norris's McLaren. All three drivers retired, and Colapinto immediately accepted responsibility and apologised. However, Norris was highly critical, arguing the FIA should take stronger action, even calling for at least a one-race ban. "I've not seen it, but if you cause a crash in a restart like this, you should have at least a one-race ban," the defending world champion said.
Norris's comments sparked a fierce backlash from fans, particularly from Argentine accounts, leading to online attacks against him and others. Argentina's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pablo Quirno, even weighed in on Norris's remarks by referencing the 2025 Montreal incident when Norris collided with his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. "Sure, Lando Norris called for a penalty for the driver who crashed into Oscar Piastri in Montreal in 2025. Ah, nog right," Quirno wrote on social media.
Previously, Alpine had already faced similar concerns in Baku. Gasly revealed that he and his family had been targeted after the Spanish Grand Prix, when he briefly remained ahead of Colapinto in the closing stages. This prompted executive adviser Flavio Briatore to warn that Alpine could restrict Colapinto's access to Argentine media if the behaviour continued. "If the Argentinians want to support Franco, they support Franco clean," Briatore said.
Alpine stressed that condemning social media abuse is not an attack on Colapinto's fans. "Condemning abuse on social media is not aimed at any one fan base or the supporters of one team or driver, this is universal and should be called out and recognised to all fans of the sport," they explained. The team also expressed solidarity with Formula 1, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out, noting it has become a regular occurrence in recent races.
With this move, Alpine hopes to foster a healthier environment for all, reminding that on-track rivalry should always be accompanied by respect. This case also serves as a reminder that the line between criticism and abuse must be maintained, especially in the fast-paced digital era.
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