**FIA AND ALPINE BREAK THEIR SILENCE! DEFEND COLAPINTO AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACKS**
Formula 1, a sport that inspires passions around the world, has been rocked by a recent outpouring of hate on social media following the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the BWT Alpine F1 team have issued strong statements condemning the attacks directed at drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Jack Doohan, triggered by an on-track incident involving Argentinian Franco Colapinto. This incident has put the most radical fans at the center of the controversy, who have crossed the line with offensive messages, some of them racist in nature.
The incident occurred during the first free practice session at Imola, when Colapinto, during a slow turn, unintentionally blocked the path of Red Bull driver Tsunoda, who lost a flying lap. Frustrated, the Japanese driver made an obscene gesture toward the Argentinian, sparking an avalanche of insults on Tsunoda’s social media accounts. Despite Colapinto acknowledging his mistake and urging his followers to calm down, some fans continued their attacks. “I know you’re passionate, but you need to show respect. There’s a lot of hate on social media these days,” said the 21-year-old, who also shared Alpine’s official statement on his personal platforms.
For its part, the FIA, led by its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has taken a firm stance against online abuse. In a statement posted on Instagram, Ben Sulayem said: “Motorsports is about competition, passion, and commitment. The passion for our sport must unite us, not turn into hatred. I fully support Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against this issue.” The organization has strengthened its “Unite Against Online Abuse” campaign, seeking to create a safer and more respectful environment in the sport.
Colapinto’s Alpine team also spoke out: “We believe we are fortunate to be part of a global sport that inspires great passion, but behind every driver is a person with feelings, family, and friends. We cannot tolerate online abuse and urge all fans to be kind.” The team emphasized the drivers’ humanity, urging respect for all involved.
The case wasn’t limited to Tsunoda. Jack Doohan, who gave up his Alpine seat to Colapinto, was also the victim of harassment after a fake post attributed to his father, Mick Doohan, mocking Colapinto’s qualifying crash spread. Doohan denied the report and pleaded: “Please stop harassing my family.” This episode recalls similar tensions experienced by other drivers, such as Agustín Canapino in IndyCar.
“Colapintomania” has demonstrated the passion of Argentine fans, but also the need to channel that passion in a positive way. The FIA and Alpine, along with Colapinto, seek to end online hate by promoting a united and respectful motorsport.
