As if the criticism surrounding the new regulations were not enough, the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season has been overshadowed by an increasingly concerning issue: the growing toxicity of a section of the fanbase on social media. What was supposed to be a celebration of Alpine’s return to competitiveness – with the French team climbing to fifth place in the Constructors’ standings after finishing last in 2025 – has instead turned into a “perfect storm” involving Franco Colapinto.
The Argentine driver has found himself at the center of two controversial incidents in Shanghai and Suzuka, which triggered a wave of online hatred. This situation has been further fueled by conspiracy theories, ultimately forcing the Enstone-based team to release a strongly worded official statement defending both its drivers and its integrity.
From Shanghai to Suzuka: escalation of verbal abuse
The situation began in China, when a misjudgment by Esteban Ocon led to a collision with Franco Colapinto. Despite the French driver immediately taking responsibility and apologizing both privately and publicly, a vocal minority of fans launched a barrage of harsh insults and even death threats against him on social media.
The severity of the situation only became fully apparent ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, when Ocon revealed that he had even received a letter of support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who was keen to send a strong message against cyberbullying. Reflecting on the incident, the driver stated: “Any kind of online abuse should not be tolerated at all and should have serious consequences. There should be no place for keyboard warriors in our sport.”
Tensions escalated once again at Suzuka following Oliver Bearman’s frightening crash. The young Haas driver was involved in a 50G impact with the barriers, a violent accident that forced him to exit the car limping due to a significant knee injury. Although the FIA cleared Colapinto of any wrongdoing, explaining that the crash had been caused by a dangerous speed delta created by the new energy recovery regulations, the online backlash once again targeted the Alpine driver.
Colapinto’s management team, Bullet Sports Management, was forced to intervene firmly, emphasizing: “Franco is not at fault. It was a consequence of the new energy management rules, as confirmed by the FIA. Despite this, he is receiving unjustified criticism and hate.”
Alpine statement: “No sabotage, complete equality between drivers”
Beyond the issue of online abuse, Alpine has also had to deal with an even more insidious internal controversy: allegations of sabotage raised by some Argentine fans, who believe that the team is favoring Pierre Gasly over Franco Colapinto. So far this season, Gasly has scored 15 points, compared to just one point for his teammate.
In a detailed and comprehensive statement, the French team sought to clarify the situation, firmly condemning all forms of hate: “The team condemns the abuse directed at Franco following Japan, just as it condemns the threats aimed at Esteban Ocon after China. Abuse of any kind towards drivers is unacceptable.”
Addressing the technical aspects behind the alleged imbalance between the two cars, the Enstone outfit was unequivocal, stressing that its primary objective is to field the two fastest cars possible in order to maximize points in the championship. The official statement explained: “Any suggestion of sabotage or lack of technical equality is completely unfounded. Pierre and Franco have raced with identical equipment, apart from minor components with negligible performance impact in China due to transmission changes.”
The team also highlighted the strong working relationship between its drivers, describing how Gasly and Colapinto spend extensive time together in the simulator and with engineers, sharing data and driving techniques. As emphasized in the statement: “Transparency is total, there are no secrets or hidden information. Pierre is an example for Franco, and they are working together for the team’s progress.”
The Doohan precedent and echoes of the past
Unfortunately, the involvement of sections of the Argentine fanbase in such incidents is not entirely new within the paddock. At the beginning of 2025, a similar atmosphere surrounded Jack Doohan. The Australian driver, who had initially secured the Alpine race seat over Colapinto, became the target of an unprecedented hate campaign, including death threats so serious that they were even featured in the popular Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive.”
The situation took a paradoxical turn when Franco Colapinto eventually replaced Jack Doohan starting from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but the episode left a lasting scar within the team environment and highlighted the dangers of unchecked online hostility.
Alpine calls for unity as F1 heads into April break
Alpine will now use the enforced April break in the Formula 1 calendar to analyze the progress of its A526 car, but also to try to bring the conversation back to a more respectful and constructive tone. As underlined in the team’s statement, motorsport should unite rather than divide.
“Franco is excited to return to Argentina during this break to embrace the passion of his fans, but we hope that the small yet vocal group causing problems understands that this is not the spirit of competition.”
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