Alpine has once again issued a statement to condemn online abuse within Formula 1 after Franco Colapinto’s controversial clash with teammate Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris.
The Argentinian made an audacious manoeuvre at Turn 1 on a Safety Car restart in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and duly t-boned the sister Alpine, which sent it into the path of the reigning World Champion’s McLaren.
Gasly and Norris were out on the spot, and Colalpinto limped his car back to the pits and into retirement, the incident triggering an immediate second Safety Car.
Colapinto issued a full and frank apology to Gasly after the race, with Norris calling for a one-race ban, as well as telling television media that “some drivers shouldn’t be in Formula 1.”
The incident came at possibly the worst time, with Gasly publicly condemning online abuse he suffered in the aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix, when he inadvertently held-up Colapinto, who was under pressure from Oscar Piastri.
Alpine has previously been forced to acknowledge similar instances, including at this year’s Chinese Grand Prix, when Colapinto collided with Esteban Ocon, and speak out against the problem.
Alpine issues ‘universal’ condemnation of online abuse
In a statement issued on Sunday, Alpine said: As a team, we feel it’s necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“Not only aimed 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. Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments.
“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. As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula One, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned.
“We know as a proud participant and stakeholder in the sport, we hold a responsibility to speak out and also help support in finding a solution. We will continue to work closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways in which to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula One is renowned for and what makes it so special.”
READ MORE – Motorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP Driver Ratings
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