Franco Colapinto makes curiously worded F1 fan plea amid abuse surge

October 19, 2026

Alpine F1 driver Franco Colapinto has issued an unusually direct appeal to his Argentine fanbase amid a sharp rise in online harassment targeting not only him but also his teammates and rivals. In a rare public address, Colapinto acknowledged the passionate support he receives but criticized the growing trend of fans directing abuse toward other drivers, including his teammate Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, and reigning champion Lando Norris.

The backlash has escalated to the point where Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore reportedly threatened Argentine media with a blackout on Colapinto’s coverage unless the behavior improved. Colapinto’s contract with Alpine extends through 2027, though his future beyond that remains uncertain, particularly as his current season performance—12th in the standings with 27 points—lags behind Gasly’s 41 points and 10th-place finish.

The driver’s plea raises questions about whether Alpine will tolerate the controversy if his results do not improve, given the potential complications of managing an unpredictable fanbase in a sport where team dynamics and driver reputation are paramount.