Alpine driver urges fans to stop online abuse

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto has asked his fanbase to stop directing online abuse at other Formula 1 drivers and figures within the sport because it is not helping his career.

Colapinto joined Alpine in 2025

After becoming the first Argentine driver to compete in F1 for more than 20 years when he was drafted in by Williams midway through the 2024 season, Colapinto has received huge support from his home…

Alpine team issues abuse statements

Since Colapinto joined Alpine in 2025, the team have had to issue several statements condemning online hate and abuse following incidents involving the 23-year-old driver.

Colapinto's recent comments

In a video posted on social media, Colapinto said: "Hello everyone. There's something very important that I've needed to talk to you about for some time."

“Hello everyone. There's something very important that I've needed to talk to you about for some time.”

Colapinto's abuse concerns

Colapinto said online abuse targets other drivers, team-mates, mechanics, engineers, and causes harm to his career.

“Instead of supporting me, we end up criticising people and attacking other drivers, other colleagues, my team-mates, my mechanics, my engineers - people I work with every single day.”

Recent incidents of abuse

There have been several notable incidents of drivers facing online abuse in situations that appeared to be related to Colapinto's fanbase.

“There was major hostility towards Jack Doohan at the start of the 2025 season before Alpine replaced the Australian driver with Colapinto after just six rounds.”

Alpine extends Colapinto's contract

In August, Alpine confirmed a one-year contract extension for Colapinto to remain with the team for the 2027 season.

“In August, Alpine confirmed a one-year contract extension for Colapinto to remain with the team for the 2027 season.”

Next race in Austin

Formula 1 next heads to The Americas for another triple header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1.