Alpine Condemns Online Abuse Targeting Driver

Formula 1 team stands up for young racer Colapinto after wave of harassment

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Alpine Formula 1 team has issued a forceful statement condemning the online abuse and harassment directed at their young driver Franco Colapinto following a recent race incident. The team expressed unwavering support for Colapinto and vowed to take action against those responsible for the torrent of hateful messages.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing problem of toxic fan behavior and online harassment in motorsports. Alpine's strong stance sends a clear message that such abuse will not be tolerated, and that teams will defend their drivers against coordinated campaigns of harassment from fans.

The details

In the statement, Alpine denounced the 'abhorrent' behavior of those who have targeted Colapinto with 'a barrage of hateful, threatening, and personal messages' across social media platforms. The team said it is working with authorities to identify the perpetrators and will pursue legal action against them.

  • The online abuse began shortly after a race incident involving Colapinto on April 1, 2026.

The players

Alpine

The Alpine Formula 1 team, owned by the Renault Group, has taken a firm stand against the online harassment of their driver Franco Colapinto.

Franco Colapinto

A young Argentine racing driver competing for the Alpine Formula 1 team, who has been the target of a wave of abusive messages from fans online.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We will not tolerate this abhorrent behavior towards any of our team members. Franco has our full support, and we will take all necessary steps to protect him from this harassment.”

— Laurent Rossi, CEO, Alpine F1 Team

What’s next

Alpine has stated it will work with authorities to identify the individuals responsible for the online abuse and pursue legal action against them.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for motorsports teams, governing bodies, and social media platforms to take stronger action against the growing problem of online harassment and abuse directed at drivers. Alpine's forceful response sets an important precedent for how teams should defend their athletes against toxic fan behavior.