The controversy after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix spread from the track to the internet. Alpine issued a statement on 27 September opposing abuse directed at drivers, the media and other F1 participants. The team said mistakes happen in racing, but nobody should face hatred or insulting remarks because of them.
The incident that prompted discussion occurred at the restart after the safety car came in. Franco Colapinto braked too late at Turn 1 and collided with team-mate Pierre Gasly, with Lando Norris then also caught up; all three failed to finish. The FIA stewards found Colapinto wholly or predominantly responsible and converted the intended ten-second penalty into a five-place grid drop at his next participation.
The team said the post-race online attacks were not directed only at one of its drivers but also affected other members of the F1 community. Alpine did not blame the supporters of a particular driver or team, stressing that opposition to abuse must apply to everyone.
Alpine also said similar situations had recurred over recent races, that the team had a responsibility to speak publicly and that it would continue discussing responses with event promoters, the commercial rights holder and the FIA. The statement announced no specific new measures or implementation date.
The statement concerns online conduct after the race and does not alter the sporting ruling on the incident itself. Executive adviser Flavio Briatore had previously said he would assess the follow-up to Colapinto’s accident. At the time Alpine issued this statement, it had still announced no internal disciplinary decision.
