Alpine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto says he’s working to calm fan reactions and urges greater respect after backlash directed at Yuki Tsunoda.
The Japanese driver received a tirade of abuse after expressing frustration at being impeded by Colapinto during FP1 in Imola.
Making his debut for Alpine and returning to the sport, the Argentine admitted he was at fault for the incident.
However, despite his acceptance of blame, a wave of aggressive messages from his fans targeted Tsunoda on social media.
In response, both Alpine and the FIA have issued statements condemning the abuse.
Speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Colapinto shared his thoughts on the incident, admitting he understood Tsunoda’s frustration over the incident.
“I would have been really upset if someone blocked me like I did to Yuki,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“So, honestly, he’s right, and he’s completely right to be upset, and he was upset as I would have been if someone blocked me like that, and I understand him.
“I think he did the right thing, and it’s just really bad, him receiving hate for that.
He also addressed the wider issue of online abuse in sport, calling for greater responsibility from both fans and those within the paddock:
“Look, there is different moments in, not only in motorsport, I think in sports in general, that people have to behave better,” Colapinto added.
“We have also to do our best as the people in the sport to try to calm the people down, make them understand that they have to enjoy the sport as much as they can watching on TV or watching on the track, but not inducing that lack of respect that some have.”
Colapinto on coping with online abuse and fostering respect
Following his stint with Williams last season, Colapinto returns to the F1 grid as he tries to solidify his position within the Alpine team.
A graduate from Formula 2, he went on to reflect on his own experiences with online negativity, emphasising the importance of focusing on controllable aspects and promoting respectful behaviour among fans.
“Look, I received a lot of hate on social media since I was in Formula 2, and that happens,” he explained.
“I think we are athletes and we have to focus on what we can control.
“There are things out of our control that we cannot really change, how people respect others and what those people do.
“I try my best to try to calm people that I can control maybe a bit more, that are my fans, so that’s a work in progress.
“I know there is some overreacting and they are very passionate, but they are also very euphoric, and some are a bit aggressive, that’s the reality.
“On my side, I’m trying to do my best; I know a lot of people are receiving hate – I did as well.
“So, just things that we need to take out of our head when we are on track and just focus on driving.”
READ MORE – Yuki Tsunoda online abuse condemned by the FIA and Alpine
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