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Alpine Defends Franco Colapinto Against 'Sabotage' Claims

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Alpine has released a 1200-word letter dismissing online allegations of sabotage against Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. The controversy erupted after Colapinto finished 10th at the Chinese Grand Prix, 49 seconds behind teammate Pierre Gasly in seventh, sparking claims on social media about car specification differences.

In the letter, Alpine confirmed both drivers have been "running with the same equipment, barring some small low-performance impacting parts in China due to switching gearbox components." The team emphasized its commitment to Colapinto, stating that questions about sabotage are "completely unfounded" and that the team felt compelled to speak out against such claims.

The letter also addressed abusive behavior directed at Colapinto following his involvement in Oliver Bearman's high-speed accident at Suzuka. Alpine condemned the hateful messages, noting that "the most important thing is the safety and wellbeing of the drivers" and that the FIA deemed no further action was necessary regarding the incident.