Franco Colapinto has openly urged his fans in Argentina to refrain from online harassment after multiple disturbing events over recent months.
Following the races in Zandvoort, Madrid, and Baku, derogatory remarks were aimed at FIA stewards, Pierre Gasly and his family, as well as Lando Norris, among others. This has been a noticeable issue throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Alpine frequently issuing statements to address the backlash.
Previously, Colapinto had been somewhat ambiguous regarding his stance on this issue; in Baku, he referred to the conduct as “not pleasant to witness,” and following the Turn 1 incident in Azerbaijan, he addressed the situation with nuance.
“I think we overlook that this isn’t solely coming from Argentinians,” Colapinto remarked. “It certainly originates from them, and I agree completely, [but] it’s not exclusive to just them. They are extremely passionate and provide me significant support. It’s unfortunate. They can be detrimental at times.
“However, this negativity stems from all over the world and from various fanbases. I’m not sure if we’re not acknowledging it. I receive a lot of it. No one ever talks about that.”
On Thursday, the Argentine made his most emphatic statement yet in an effort to mitigate his fanbase’s frenzy – he directly communicated to his supporters that they ‘occasionally cross the line’ and ‘were not contributing positively to his future’.
“Hello everyone, there’s something crucial that I’ve wanted to discuss for a while,” Colapinto conveyed in a Spanish-language video shared on Instagram. “I probably should have addressed this sooner, but it’s an issue that requires attention, something we must rectify and enhance.
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
“I will always hold immense gratitude, and I truly feel incredibly lucky, to have had all of you rallying behind me from the very start.
“I’m thankful for all the encouragement you provide, for the way you assist me in achieving results, and for how you continually motivate me to reach greater heights. You support both me and the team in attaining results, race after race, day by day, as we prepare and strive to enhance. I genuinely appreciate all of that.
“I understand that you feel immense pride when things go well for me, when I accrue points for both myself and the team. I have always valued that support.
“But at times, we overstep. Instead of being supportive, we find ourselves critiquing others and attacking fellow drivers, team members, my colleagues, my mechanics, my engineers – the individuals I collaborate with on a daily basis.
“I realize you believe you’re standing up for me, but in reality, you’re doing just the opposite. You’re not assisting me or my future.”
Colapinto’s immediate prospects appear secure, with the 23-year-old having secured a new Alpine contract for the 2027 season back in August. Currently, he ranks 12th in the 2026 standings with 27 points, while teammate Gasly holds 10th place with 41 points.
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– The Autosport.com Team
