Alpine Addresses Sabotage Claims, Vows Fair Fight for Colapinto

The team's open letter aims to reframe the narrative around equipment parity and driver collaboration.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a Formula One race, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the intense competition and technical complexity of the sport.Alpine's transparent response to sabotage allegations reflects the evolving culture of accountability and collaboration in Formula One.Today in Miami

Alpine has issued an open letter addressing allegations of sabotage against rising star Franco Colapinto, insisting that the team is committed to providing equal equipment and opportunities for both Colapinto and teammate Pierre Gasly. The letter emphasizes Alpine's focus on transparent communication, collaborative team culture, and a shared mission to improve performance through data-driven decision making.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the delicate balance that top Formula One teams must strike between fostering internal competition, managing fan expectations, and maintaining a healthy team culture. Alpine's response signals a shift towards more open governance and a recognition that technical decisions can quickly escalate into broader narratives about fairness and accountability in the sport.

The details

According to Alpine's letter, Colapinto and Gasly are racing with the same baseline equipment, with the exception of some minor gearbox components changed for the Chinese Grand Prix. The team insists this was a practical decision driven by supply chain and manufacturing realities, not an attempt to give one driver an advantage. Alpine also addressed online abuse directed at Colapinto, condemning such behavior and emphasizing a culture of information-sharing and collaboration between the two drivers.

  • The incident with Ollie Bearman at Suzuka and the collision with Esteban Ocon in China occurred earlier this season.
  • Alpine's open letter was published on April 13, 2026, during the mid-season break.

The players

Franco Colapinto

A rising star in Formula One, currently driving for the Alpine team.

Pierre Gasly

Colapinto's teammate at Alpine, a veteran driver in the sport.

Alpine

The French Formula One team that fields cars for Colapinto and Gasly.

Ollie Bearman

A driver who was involved in an incident with Colapinto at the Suzuka circuit earlier in the season.

Esteban Ocon

Another driver who collided with Colapinto during the Chinese Grand Prix.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The team has indicated that during the mid-season break, they will conduct thorough debriefs, simulator work, and develop a plan to return stronger in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

Alpine's open letter demonstrates a commitment to transparent governance, collaborative team culture, and a focus on data-driven decision making to address technical and interpersonal challenges. This approach signals a broader shift in Formula One towards more accountable and responsive team management, which could contribute to a healthier ecosystem for drivers, fans, and the sport as a whole.