Franco Colapinto says online abuse is hurting his racing career
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 15, 2026
Colapinto urges restraint
Franco Colapinto has called for an end to online abuse aimed at rival drivers, Alpine staff and race officials. In an Instagram video, the Alpine driver asked fans to stop targeting the people around him, including teammates, mechanics, engineers and other colleagues. He said some supporters have gone over the line by insulting and abusing those closest to his program, and he made clear that the backlash does him no favors. Colapinto said the abuse is “doing the opposite of helping me,” a blunt message from a driver who wants the focus back on performance. He also said he had already stepped away from social media so he can concentrate on racing and on his work with Alpine.
Targets included Gasly, Norris
The comments came after incidents involving Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, two drivers Colapinto referenced in urging fans to stop the attacks. He said supporters should back him by helping him perform better and score points, not by going after other drivers, teammates or engineers. Colapinto also said the abuse has spread beyond the garage and into the race control side of the sport, with some fans targeting FIA stewards and officials who penalized him. Colapinto said he wants the opposite, a cleaner reaction from supporters that helps his own work instead of creating more tension for the people around him. His message put the spotlight on a problem that has followed him since his Formula 1 debut and has drawn in more than one rival along the way.
Alpine backs Colapinto
Alpine condemned the online abuse and denied claims that it was trying to sabotage Colapinto in favor of Gasly. The team has already dealt with the issue several times this year, and the FIA and Alpine both issued statements over the previous two months condemning abuse after the Dutch, Spanish and Azerbaijan Grands Prix. Alpine first responded to abuse from Colapinto’s supporters earlier in the year after the Chinese Grand Prix, showing how quickly the problem has become part of the conversation around the team. Colapinto debuted in Formula 1 with Williams and is Argentina’s first Formula 1 driver in 23 years. Alpine has already confirmed that his contract will be extended next season. He wants the noise to stop, the abuse to end and the focus to shift back to racing.
