Alpine issues another statement against online abuse following Norris' Colapinto comments

Alpine has issued a statement in which it “strongly condemns the reaction of some fans online” following Lando Norris’ comments that Franco Colapinto should be banned for causing a crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Colapinto took out teammate Pierre Gasly and Norris at Turn 1 on a safety car restart on Saturday, with the defending champion calling on the FIA to take strong action for such an incident. Colapinto was later given a five-place grid penalty for the next race he competes in, but there were quickly tens of thousands of comments added to Norris’ social media posts, as well as Colapinto’s, with abuse also extending to the teams and associated accounts.

On Sunday, Alpine issued what is its second statement of the year, following an open letter following incidents involving Colapinto and the Haas drivers in April.

“As a team, we feel it’s necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix,” the statement read. “Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula 1 community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport.

“Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments. Condemning abuse on social media is not aimed at any one fan base or the supporters of one team or driver, this is universal and should be called out and recognized to all fans of the sport.

“As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula One, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned.

“We know as a proud participant and stakeholder in the sport, we hold a responsibility to speak out and also help support in finding a solution. We will continue to work closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways in which to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula One is renowned for and what makes it so special.”