Alpine driver Franco Colapinto has asked his fans to stop online abuse of Formula 1 drivers and other figures within the sport because it is “not helping” his career.
After becoming the first Argentinian 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 nation.
However, since Colapinto joined Alpine in 2025, the team has had to issue several statements condemning online hate and abuse following incidents involving the 23-year-old driver.
Colapinto has previously spoken out against online abuse, but suggested on several occasions that it was a societal issue rather than a specific problem with his fan base. His position now seems to have changed.
In a video posted on social media, Colapinto said: “Hello everyone. There is something very important that I have had to talk to you about for some time.
“I probably should have talked to all of you sooner, but this is something that needs to be addressed, something that we need to change and improve.
“I will always be grateful and honestly feel incredibly lucky that you all have supported me from the beginning.
“I’m grateful for all the support you give me, the way you help me achieve results and the way you constantly push me to aim higher.
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Ted Kravitz visits Buenos Aires to catch up with Argentina’s local hero Franco Colapinto to discuss how Formula 1 has become so popular in his country.
“You help me and the team achieve our results, race after race, day after day, as we train and try to improve. And I am sincerely grateful for all of that.
“I know it makes you extremely proud when things go well for me, when I score points for myself and the team. And I’ve always been very grateful for that support.
“But sometimes we go too far.
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There was carnage at the safety car restart after contact between Alpine teammates resulted in Lando Norris crashing out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“Instead of supporting me, we end up criticizing people and attacking other drivers, other colleagues, my team-mates, my mechanics, my engineers – the people I work with every day.
“I know you think you’re protecting me, but you’re actually doing the opposite. You’re not helping me or my future.”
There have been several notable incidents of drivers facing online abuse in situations that appeared to be related to Colapinto’s fan base.
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Franco Colapinto shares Pierre Gasly and Flavio Briatore’s response to his crash at the Azerbaijan GP.
There was huge animosity towards Jack Doohan at the start of the 2025 season before Alpine replaced the Australian driver with Colapinto after just six rounds.
Then, during the 2026 season, FIA race stewards were abused after Colapinto received a penalty at the Dutch Grand Prix, before his team-mate Pierre Gasly hit out at “disturbing” threats he received after the Spanish Grand Prix in September.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris was then lambasted for making highly critical comments about Colapinto after the Argentine caused a crash that put him out of the race during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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Lando Norris reflects on his critical comments about Franco Colapinto.
Norris later apologized for his comments about Colapinto, but Alpine once again released a statement condemning the social media abuse.
In August, Alpine confirmed a one-year contract extension for Colapinto to remain with the team through the 2027 season.
He responded well to that news with points results in Italy and Spain at the start of September, but has since failed to score in all three races.
Formula 1 then heads to America for another head-to-head with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the first on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
