Franco Colapinto asks fans to stop attacking his racing rivals

Colapinto’s plea

Franco Colapinto told his followers in a social media video that their online attacks on his colleagues and rivals do not help his racing career. The Argentinian driver, who joined Alpine this season after Williams had no space for him following his 2024 debut, expressed frustration that fans believe they are defending him when they are doing the opposite. I find his decision to step away from social media to focus on his racing dream necessary because his fanbase is one of the loudest on the current roster. His supporters have targeted his teammate Pierre Gasly, FIA officials, and even Jack Doohan, who received death threats from those wanting him out of the car. Colapinto said, "I know it makes you feel very proud when I do well, when I get points, me and the whole team, and I will always be very grateful for that." He also noted that fans end up attacking other pilots, teammates, mechanics, and engineers he works with every day. He told his followers that he probably should have spoken to them sooner about this issue, but he felt it was necessary to address the situation now.

Recent flashpoints

The abuse followed several specific incidents throughout the season. After a collision with Esteban Ocon at the Chinese Grand Prix, some fans accused Alpine of sabotaging Colapinto and failing to provide him with the same equipment as Gasly. Other flashpoints included penalties Colapinto received at Zandvoort for failing to slow for yellow flags, his delay behind Gasly in Madrid, and the collision between the Alpine drivers and Lando Norris in Azerbaijan. During the Azerbaijan weekend, Norris suggested a race ban was deserved after the collision, though he later retracted that statement. Following that incident, Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore threatened a complete media blackout of Colapinto if the online abuse did not cease. I believe Briatore’s stance makes sense because Alpine will join title partner Gucci next year, and a major fashion brand will likely avoid the controversy that certain sections of this fanbase generate. The FIA and Alpine issued statements in the last two months condemning the online abuse that occurred following the Dutch, Spanish, and Azerbaijan Grands Prix. Neither organization specifically mentioned Colapinto’s supporters, but both identified the victims of the abuse, including his teammate Pierre Gasly and FIA officials. Alpine stated last month that the abuse has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned.

Seeking a change

Colapinto spoke to his followers in his native tongue, explaining that while he is grateful for the support, the constant criticism is a distraction. He told his fans, "I know you think you’re defending me, but you’re actually doing the opposite. You’re not helping me or my future." He explained that to achieve his goals and realize his dream of scoring points, the community must change together to improve as a society. I think his desire to focus on his racing career instead of social media is a logical response to the situation. He wants to work with the team to achieve the results they want and the goals they need, which includes scoring points to help him in 2027. Colapinto said his supporters help him and the team achieve results, race after race, day after day, as they train and try to improve. He told his audience, "Let’s give it our all as one big team. Let’s support one another and stand by each other through the good times and the bad." He expects to see his supporters again very soon at upcoming races. He emphasized that they must work to improve so he can become the best version of himself and realize his professional goals. He concluded his message by sending everyone a huge hug and thanking them from the bottom of his heart for their kindness and understanding.