Alpine has once again taken a firm stance against the wave of online hate that emerged following the multi-car crash involving Franco Colapinto at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend. The Enstone-based team stressed that verbal attacks targeting drivers, teams, and journalists cannot be tolerated in any sport, especially in Formula 1, which upholds the values of sportsmanship.
The incident occurred during a safety car restart at the Baku City Circuit. Colapinto lost control of his car and triggered a pile-up that eliminated Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris from the race. The crash immediately sparked strong reactions, including from Norris who, before viewing the footage, suggested that whoever caused the crash should receive at least a one-race ban. Although he did not name Colapinto, the comment ignited a storm of hateful comments on social media, mainly directed at the McLaren driver, but Gasly and others were not spared either.
In an official statement on Sunday, Alpine emphasised that mistakes are an integral part of racing at the limit, but no result or outcome justifies hateful or abusive comments. The team also made a point of clarifying that their condemnation was not aimed at any particular fan base, but rather a universal call to all fans of the sport. "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," the statement read.
This is not the first such incident. Previously, Argentine fans were scrutinised after directing hateful comments at FIA stewards and the Alpine team when Colapinto received a drive-through penalty for overtaking under a double yellow flag at Zandvoort. Gasly also faced abuse after briefly refusing to let his teammate through in Madrid, with threats even targeting his family. Colapinto himself meekly described the behaviour as "not nice to see" but insisted it was "not just his fans".
Amid the heated situation, reports emerged that Alpine boss Flavio Briatore had reportedly threatened Argentine media to not let them speak to Colapinto again if the hatred continued, damaging the outfit's reputation. However, in its statement, Alpine chose not to aggravate the situation by blaming a specific fan base, but instead called on all parties to collectively end the culture of hate online.
The team reiterated its solidarity with Formula One, the FIA, and other teams committed to stamping out online abuse. "As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula One, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned," Alpine asserted. This statement serves as a reminder that beyond on-track rivalry, there are human values that must be upheld.
With this move, Alpine hopes to drive a cultural change among fans, while protecting drivers and members of the F1 community from unfounded attacks. The Colapinto case is just the tip of the iceberg of a larger issue, and the team calls on all parties, including media and fans, to help create a healthier environment in motorsport.
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