The FIA and the Alpine Formula 1 team have both issued a public rebuke of the online abuse aimed at Yuki Tsunoda over the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend.
The Japanese driver was a victim of a myriad of abusive messages made by fans of Franco Colapinto, who made his debut for the Anglo-French marque at Imola.
Colapinto, who was making his first F1 appearance since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last season, impeded a number of drivers during FP1, including Tsunoda.
This prompted the Red Bull man to angrily gesticulate at Colapinto, an action that drew the ire of Colapinto’s partisan supporters.
Many took to Tsunoda’s Instagram account to launch a tirade of insults, some of which were of a racist nature.
After this came to light prior to qualifying – in which both men crashed out in Q1 – Colapinto admitted Tsunoda was “right” to be annoyed, and called for calm to his fans.
On Monday evening, Alpine issued a statement fully condemning the incident and pleased for a peaceful future in the conduct of F1 fans.
“As an F1 team, we believe we are fortunate to be part of a global sport that evokes great passion and emotions, with an ever-growing community of fans who enthusiastically follow their favourite drivers’ every move, whether it be a brave overtake on track or what style they are sporting when they arrive in the paddock,” it read.
“We encourage everyone to remember that behind the visor of these superhuman athletes there is a person, an individual with feelings, family, friends and loved ones.
“As a team, we cannot condone online abuse and urge all fans of this sport we love, to be kind and respectful.”
FIA president ‘in full support’ of Tsunoda and Colapinto
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also weighed in on the situation, and expressed his support for both Tsunoda and Colapinto.
“Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and every race drivers take to the track representing these values,” he said. “The passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hate.
“I stand in full support of Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against the growing issue of online abuse in motorsport.
“No one shuld be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for anuse or toxicity in our community.
“Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, we are taking decicive action – raising awareness, providing support, and driving change.
“We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all.”
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