Alpine will take action against toxic behaviour: 'Won't tolerate this'

Alpine has issued a call on Twitter to stop hateful and toxic posts on social media. In a message on Twitter, the team says it will take action against anyone who contributes to unacceptable online behaviour towards Alpine's employees and fans.

The sprint race ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix certainly did not go as hoped for Alpine. Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso hit each other twice and both saw their chances for points go up in smoke. In the aftermath of the race, Alpine says it has experienced a lot of unacceptable behaviour on the team's various social media outlets and that enough is now enough.

In an official message, Alpine stated that nearly 900 toxic messages have come in, 162 of which were really over the top. The team responded with a statement: "This is wholy unacceptable."

Alpine goes on to say that unfortunately it is not a one-off situation but a pattern of online hate and discrimination. The team says it will no longer tolerate it and will take action against anyone who contributes to it, whether it is hate against the drivers, staff or fans.

Earlier, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced the launch of a new campaign to counter online hatred and abuse. During the last race weekend of this season, next week in Abu Dhabi, the FIA will give more information about this campaign.