Alpine condemn online abuse

Alpine team condemned social media abuse aimed at drivers and Formula One community after Franco Colapinto's three-car crash with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris at Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“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.”

Crash details

Franco Colapinto locked brakes during first Safety Car restart in Baku, hitting Pierre Gasly who then crashed into Lando Norris' McLaren.

Alpine statement

Alpine stated abuse is universal and should be recognized by all Formula One fans, not targeted at specific teams or drivers.

“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.”

Colapinto's apology

Colapinto apologized to Alpine team and Lando Norris for his mistake that caused the crash during Azerbaijan Grand Prix safety car restart.

Grid penalty

Colapinto will receive a five-place grid penalty at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia for his error in Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia will be held next week after Azerbaijan Grand Prix safety car incident.

Stewards' verdict

Stewards ruled Colapinto wholly responsible for the crash, converting 10-second time penalty to five-place grid drop at next race.

Team impact

Alpine lost seven points in Constructors' Championship after crash, with Racing Bulls leading by 15 points with eight races remaining.

Briatore's response

Alpine executive Flavio Briatore said he would consider course of action for Colapinto after his 'very poor' error in Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Driver reactions

George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar said race bans for such incidents are too harsh and should be reserved for intentional dangerous actions.

Norris' comments

Lando Norris suggested drivers who cause incidents like Colapinto's should be banned for one race, stating some drivers shouldn't be in Formula One.

“there are some drivers who shouldn't be in Formula 1, to be honest”

Team statement

Alpine team stated they will work with FIA and Formula One to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry.

“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.”

Next steps

Alpine will review Colapinto's actions and consider consequences after stewards' ruling on Azerbaijan Grand Prix crash.

Consequence

Colapinto's five-place grid penalty at Bahrain Grand Prix will impact Alpine's Constructors' Championship standings with Racing Bulls leading by 15 points.