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Franco Colapinto fan harassment controversy

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2026-10-15 01:21 UTC → 2026-10-23 00:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Tensions emerged within the Formula 1 community following online abuse directed at drivers and team members by supporters of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. The issue intensified after a team order dispute at the Spanish Grand Prix and a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix involving Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Lando Norris. Pierre Gasly reported that he and his family were targets of attacks he described as “completely inappropriate.” Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore issued an ultimatum to Colapinto’s fanbase, demanding an end to the harassment of rivals. Briatore warned that continued disrespect could lead to Colapinto ceasing all communication with the Argentine media. Additionally, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested Colapinto might face internal scrutiny from Briatore that could be more severe than official FIA sanctions. Colapinto addressed his supporters directly via video, expressing gratitude for their support but warning that fan hostility is counterproductive. He noted, “I know you think you are defending me, but you are doing the opposite. You are not helping me, nor my future.” He emphasized that attacks often target his colleagues, mechanics, and engineers, which negatively impacts his professional environment. To prioritize his racing career and team duties, Colapinto announced ~~he would take~~ a temporary break from social media. ~~He urged his supporters to continue backing him and the Alpine team through successes and challenges without resorting to personal insults.~~ Following the Singapore Grand Prix, ~~Colapinto~~ he reiterated his plea for followers to cease attacks against rivals and technical ~~staff. He confirmed his decision to step away from social media to focus on racing performance as the season moves into its American leg, including races in~~ staff, noting that the ~~United States, Mexico, and Brazil. Meanwhile, Flavio Briatore indicated a positive working relationship with Colapinto~~ abuse is personally painful as he works daily with the ~~team addresses technical issues, such as tire selection errors, that have impacted recent results.~~ targeted engineers and mechanics.

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