Franco Colapinto faces backlash over ‘Italians’ remark after Lake Como theft. Franco Colapinto’s Lake Como holiday takes unexpected turn after reported theft.

Franco Colapinto has faced a wave of criticism on social media after reporting that his belongings had been stolen during a holiday at Lake Como in Italy. The Alpine driver initially referred broadly to “Italians” in a post about the incident before quickly changing the wording after his comment triggered a fierce online reaction.

The incident came during Formula 1’s summer break, with several drivers and leading paddock figures choosing to spend part of their holidays in Italy. Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have all been spotted in Sardinia, enjoying time at sea and some well-earned rest before Formula 1 returns to action at Zandvoort.

Franco Colapinto reports theft during Lake Como holiday

Franco Colapinto opted for a different kind of Italian holiday, choosing Lake Como as his destination. The Argentine, who recently returned to the cockpit for Pirelli’s 2027 Formula 1 tyre testing at the Hungaroring, then took to social media to say that he had been robbed during his trip.

Unknown thieves are said to have taken everything from Franco Colapinto, including his suitcases, clothes and even his treasured kit for preparing mate. The traditional South American drink is made using yerba mate and is commonly consumed for its stimulating effect, providing energy in a more gradual way than coffee.

However, it was not the reported theft itself that generated the biggest reaction online. Instead, attention quickly turned to the words Franco Colapinto reportedly used while expressing his frustration.

Franco Colapinto’s Italians remark triggers backlash

In the original description accompanying his post, Franco Colapinto reportedly wrote: “Who would have thought that Italians would steal everything from a South American? I hope they enjoy it.”

Within minutes, the comment began circulating widely across social media. Many users criticised the Alpine driver for apparently generalising about Italians, triggering a storm of comments, accusations and responses directed at Franco Colapinto.

After becoming aware of the reaction, Franco Colapinto edited the caption. The version currently visible on his profile removed the reference to Italians and replaced it with: “I hope whoever took them enjoys them.”

The controversy adds an unusual off-track episode to Franco Colapinto’s summer break at a time when attention has already been surrounding his position and future at Alpine. Formula 1 will resume with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Alpine will return to competition after the summer shutdown and continue its efforts to improve during the second half of the 2026 season.

The upcoming race takes place from 21–23 August, with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix schedule at Zandvoort marking the end of the summer break for Franco Colapinto and the rest of the Formula 1 grid.