Alpine driver Franco Colapinto has asked his fanbase to stop directing online abuse at other Formula 1 drivers and figures within the sport, saying it is "not helping" his career. The 23-year-old, the first Argentine driver to compete in F1 for more than 20 years after Williams drafted him midway through the 2024 season, has received huge support from his home nation.
Since joining Alpine in 2025, however, the team has had to issue several statements condemning online hate and abuse linked to incidents involving Colapinto. Colapinto had previously spoken out against online abuse but framed it as a societal issue rather than a problem specific to his fans. His position now appears to have changed.
In a video posted on social media, Colapinto thanked his supporters for their backing and for pushing him to aim higher. "Sometimes, we go too far," he said. "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." He added: "I know you think you're defending me, but you're actually doing the opposite. You're not helping me or my future."
The appeal follows several notable incidents. Jack Doohan faced major hostility at the start of the 2025 season before Alpine replaced him with Colapinto after just six rounds. Race stewards were abused after Colapinto received a penalty at the Dutch Grand Prix, and team-mate Pierre Gasly criticised "disturbing" threats he received after the Spanish Grand Prix. Reigning world champion Lando Norris also received abuse after making critical comments about Colapinto.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing