Colapinto Speaks Out on Social Media Abuse: 'No One Talks About It'

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto revealed that he too has been flooded with hateful messages on social media, an issue he says rarely receives public attention. His statement came after a multi-car collision at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku last weekend, involving his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren driver Lando Norris.

The incident began when Colapinto locked up during the safety car restart at Turn 1, causing contact with Gasly and Norris. Norris, who had not yet seen the replay at the time, vented his anger and called for a race ban for the driver who caused the chaos. The comment triggered a fierce backlash from fans, especially from Argentina, who then directed their hatred at Norris on social media.

Alpine responded by issuing a statement condemning the hate speech. It was the fourth time the French team had issued such a statement since Colapinto joined in early 2025, indicating that the problem is not a single incident but a recurring pattern.

In a press conference session in Sepang on Thursday (18/9), Colapinto stressed that online abuse has not only hit Norris. "I get a lot. No one ever talks about it," he said. He added that while Argentine fans are very vocal and passionate in their support, they also often cross the line. However, he emphasized that the problem comes from all over the world and many other fan bases, not just Argentina.

"Sometimes they don't realize what a few keystrokes can cause. We are all sensitive human beings. It is not easy for us to receive things like this." — Franco Colapinto

Colapinto admitted he does not open social media very often, so the impact on him personally is relatively smaller. However, he is aware that fellow drivers and other athletes may face heavier pressure. He hopes there will be an improvement in online culture, though he acknowledges that trying to change it alone is very difficult. "I have been talking about it since last year. I do my best, but changing it is not easy," he added.

Responding to Norris's comment, Colapinto said the reaction was understandable in a heated situation. He recalled that Norris himself had been the most vocal driver in speaking out about the dangers of hate speech a few seasons ago, so he was somewhat surprised by Norris's remark. Still, he appreciated the apology Norris later offered. "He knows what comments like that can cause because he has been through it," Colapinto said.

The 23-year-old driver stressed the importance of being careful with words, especially amid the pressure of competition. He hopes drivers can work together to create a safer environment, both on and off the track. According to him, solidarity among drivers is key to suppressing the negative impact of hate speech that often comes from outside the sport itself.

This case highlights the challenges faced by professional athletes in the digital era, where the line between criticism and abuse is often blurred. For Colapinto, the incident in Baku is merely the latest trigger of a broader problem. He hopes attention will not focus on just one driver, but on the entire ecosystem that allows hate speech to thrive.

Going forward, the question is whether Colapinto's call will be followed by concrete action from F1 authorities and participating teams. Without clear regulation and collective awareness, this cycle of online hatred risks repeating itself, threatening the mental health of drivers and the integrity of the sport itself.