Alpine release statement over online hate and abuse following Azerbaijan GP

Alpine have issued a statement speaking out against the “hate and abuse” posted online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, in which their driver Franco Colapinto triggered a multi-car incident.

Colapinto locked up and went too deep at Turn 1 during the first Safety Car restart at the Baku City Circuit, taking out both Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly and the McLaren of Lando Norris.

The Argentinian was subsequently given a 10-second time penalty by the stewards, who converted it into a five-place grid drop for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, given that he did not finish the race.

With the collision sparking debate across social media, Alpine took to their own official channels on Sunday morning to condemn some of the comments that have been made.

“As a team, we feel it’s necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix,” read the Alpine statement.

“Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula 1 community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport.

“Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments.

“Condemning abuse on social media is not aimed at any one fan base or the supporters of one team or driver, this is universal and should be called out and recognised to all fans of the sport.

“As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula 1, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned.

“We know as a proud participant and stakeholder in the sport, we hold a responsibility to speak out and also help support in finding a solution.

“We will continue to work closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways in which to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula 1 is renowned for and what makes it so special.”