Alpine has once again issued a strong condemnation of online hate following a multi-car collision triggered by Franco Colapinto at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident eliminated three cars, including his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris.
The crash occurred on the safety car restart at the Baku City Circuit. Colapinto lost control of his Alpine at Turn 1, collecting Gasly and Norris. All three retired on the spot. The incident sparked a wave of hostile reactions online, particularly aimed at Norris and Colapinto, and extended to members of the F1 media and rival competitors involved.
This is not the first time Alpine has had to speak out. In April, after the Japanese Grand Prix, the team published an open letter condemning online hate directed at Colapinto and acknowledged it had been slow to respond to abuse and death threats aimed at former driver Esteban Ocon after a collision in China. Previously, in May last year, they issued a statement after former driver Jack Doohan and his family were targeted online.
In the latest statement, Alpine stressed that the hate and abuse circulating after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix were aimed "not only at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula One community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport." They added, "Mistakes happen when racing at the limit, and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments."
Alpine emphasised that 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 team said. They 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 and cannot be condoned."
The Enstone-based team acknowledged its responsibility as a proud participant and stakeholder to speak out and help find a solution. They committed to continue working closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula 1 is renowned for.
The Baku incident drew attention due to the drivers' positions in the championship. Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant midway through last season, is still seeking consistency. Meanwhile, Norris, locked in a tight battle at the top, lost valuable points. The psychological impact of online attacks can affect performance, and Alpine hopes this firm stance will foster a healthier environment for all.
With incidents recurring, Alpine made it clear they will not stay silent. They called on the entire F1 ecosystem to unite against online abuse for a better future of the sport.
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