Franco Colapinto calls on F1 drivers to curb rising fan aggression and promote respectful support across social media and motorsport platforms.
Colapinto says he is working to ease fans’ reactions and is calling for greater respect after harsh criticism was directed at Yuki Tsunoda and Jack Doohan.
The Japanese driver was the target of a torrent of insults after expressing his frustration at being hindered by Colapinto during the first free practice session in Imola.
Making his debut for Alpine, the Argentine acknowledged his responsibility in the incident. However, despite accepting fault, a wave of aggressive messages from his fans targeted Tsunoda on social media. Jack Doohan was also subjected to insults.
In response, Alpine and the FIA issued statements condemning the abuse.
Colapinto Defends Tsunoda Respectfully
Speaking in Monaco, Colapinto shared his thoughts, admitting he understood Tsunoda’s frustration.
“I would have been very upset if someone had blocked me the way I blocked Yuki. Honestly, he’s right, and he’s absolutely right to be upset, and he was upset just like I would have been if someone had blocked me like that, and I understand him. I think he handled it well, and it’s really unfortunate he became the target of hate because of it.”
He also addressed the broader issue of harassment in sport, calling for greater responsibility from fans and people in the paddock.
“Look, there are moments—not just in motorsport, I think in sport in general—where people need to behave better.”
“We also need to do better, as athletes, to calm people down and make them understand they should enjoy the sport as much as possible, whether on TV or at the track, without creating the kind of disrespect some people may express.”
Colapinto Battles Online Hate
Following his time at Williams last season, Colapinto returns to the F1 grid to strengthen his position within the Alpine team.
A former Formula 2 driver, he spoke about his own experience with online negativity, stressing the importance of focusing on controllable factors and encouraging respectful behavior among fans.
“I’ve received a lot of hate on social media since I’ve been in Formula 2, and it’s normal. I think we’re athletes, and we have to focus on what we can control. There are things we really can’t change, like other people’s respect and actions.”
“I’m doing my best to calm the people I can influence a bit more, like my fans, so it’s a work in progress. I know there are overreactions and passionate responses, but also very euphoric ones, and some are a bit aggressive—that’s the reality.”
“On my side, I’m trying to do my best; I know a lot of people are victims of hate—me too. You also have to clear your mind on track and focus on driving. It’s not easy.”
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