Faced with rising tensions surrounding Franco Colapinto, the French team has spoken out to calm things down and set the record straight.
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Alpine F1 Team has decided to react publicly after several worrying episodes in recent weeks. The team notably denounced hate messages and threats targeting its drivers, calling for a return to respect.
In a detailed statement, the team firmly condemns these abuses: “Social media should be a space for sharing and exchange, not hate,” it reminds, insisting on the need for healthy debate despite the competitiveness of the sport.
These tensions notably emerged after the collision between Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto in China, and then after the incident involving Oliver Bearman in Japan.
Incidents that escalated
While racing incidents are common in Formula 1, their online consequences have taken a worrying turn. After his collision with Colapinto, Ocon had nevertheless taken responsibility and apologized.
Despite this, serious threats were directed at the French driver, while Colapinto was also the target of virulent criticism after Suzuka. Alpine reminds that these situations must be placed in their sporting context.
“Drivers fight on track, that is the very nature of this sport,” the team emphasizes, while insisting that these outbursts reflect only a minority of fans.
Alpine denies any idea of sabotage
At the same time, the team wanted to respond to another controversy: accusations that Franco Colapinto is being disadvantaged within the team.
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Some contrasting performances compared to those of Pierre Gasly fueled these suspicions, but Alpine categorically rejects these insinuations.
“Each driver has the same opportunities and the same equipment,” the team states. “The goal is to run both cars at the best possible level.”
It acknowledges, however, that certain upgrades can sometimes be introduced on a single car initially for logistical reasons, but ensures that this remains temporary and transparent.
A team united in the face of criticism
Beyond the controversies, Alpine insists on internal cohesion between its drivers and engineers. Far from the supposed tensions, Colapinto and Gasly are said to be collaborating closely by sharing data and technical feedback.
“There is no withholding of information, that’s another era,” the team specifies, highlighting that collective performance takes precedence in modern F1.
Despite this turbulent context, Alpine now wishes to turn the page and focus on the rest of the season. The team says it wants to take advantage of the break to progress and come back stronger.
In an increasingly competitive championship, it reminds that every point counts and that unity will be essential to maintain its competitiveness. A clear message: both on and off the track, Alpine wants to put the sport back at the center of the game.
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