The management team for Franco Colapinto has issued a firm rebuttal of abuse it claimed the Argentinian received after being caught up in the incident that saw Oliver Bearman crash out of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in frightening fashion.
The Alpine driver was approaching the Spoon Curve on Lap 21 amid regenerating energy into its Mercedes power unit, when Bearman encountered him.
His Haas was forced to swerve to the left, sending him into the gravel trap at high speed, seeing him clatter backwards into the tyre wall, causing a 50G impact.
Bearman was sent to the medical centre after limping out of the wreckage, where he was cleared without serious injury.
The Englishman noted that Colapinto might have, from his perspective, given him a little more space, with 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve laying blame squarely at Colapinto’s door.
But many have reflected that the incident is a prime example of the dangers drivers face through the new regulations, as cars that are haresting energy will naturally be going slower.
The has, regardless, left Colapinto’s management, BulletSportsManagement, to issue a statement after Colapinto was said to have received abuse by those blaming him.
“A race to forget. Franco was unlucky with the timing of the Safety Car, which ruined his chances of fighting for points,” a post on its X feed read.
“We also can’t ignore the incident that led to Ollie Bearman’s crash, one in which Franco was not at fault.
“It was a consequence of the new energy management rules, as confirmed by the FIA’s official statement.
“Despite this, Franco is receiving unjustified criticism and hate, so let’s show him all the love and support he deserves.”
It is not the first time that Colapinto’s management has had to issue such statements, although previously, it was in defence of the other driver in an incident, as Esteban Ocon received death threats after he and Colapinto collided at the Chinese Grand Prix.
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