Colapinto pleased to see Verstappen address growing F1 abuse problem
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Franco Colapinto has spoken out against online abuse in Formula 1, revealing that both he and members of his Alpine team have been targeted by offensive messages. Speaking to GPblog and other media ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Argentine also welcomed Max Verstappen's recent intervention after his GT3 team-mate Chris Lulham received personal attacks on social media.
Colapinto addressed the growing problem of online harassment, explaining that while he remains grateful for the support of his fans, some of the criticism directed at drivers and their teams has gone too far.
"I love the support. I think, first of all, I've been always very grateful with all the fans supporting me," the Alpine driver explained. "I think in every sport and every fan base has got this bad side and the hate side, and the people putting bad comments and not helping the athletes perform."
The Argentine revealed that the situation has worsened recently, prompting him to publish a video addressing the issue directly. He also expressed his frustration at seeing mechanics and engineers targeted despite their efforts to help him perform.
"To me, it crossed a few lines lately. I talked a lot about it, and I think it was probably the last thing I could do, to put a statement of me talking. A video like that was always going to be positive, so I was keen to do it."
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Photo: BWT Alpine Formula One Team
"Especially also my mechanics, my engineers. People from my team that want me to do well and help me to perform, and I'm working with daily, getting these kinds of messages. It just hurts me in general."
Colapinto also explained that online abuse has been a recurring topic of discussion among drivers, rather than an isolated concern.
"Us drivers as well, we talk constantly, and I've been talking about that for the last 10 races probably. So I do my best. I think, again, it kept crossing some lines, so the last thing I thought was making a video, and I think it helped."
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Colapinto welcomes Verstappen's intervention after Lulham abuse
The Alpine driver also referred to Verstappen's recent statement defending Chris Lulham, who faced online abuse following the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimão.
Lulham, who shared the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Verstappen and Ben Barnicoat, collided with Luca Stolz while attempting an overtake during the three-hour race. The incident resulted in a drive-through penalty, dropping the team down the order before Verstappen recovered from 24th to ninth during his final stint.
Following the race, the four-time world champion publicly condemned the personal attacks directed at his team-mate, stressing that mistakes are part of motorsport and that abusive behaviour is unacceptable.
Colapinto welcomed Verstappen's decision to address the issue, highlighting how online harassment affects people across different professions.
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"You saw with Max as well, he made a statement about it. So, again, it's happening a lot around, and there is an issue that in sports we've got nowadays." And in sports and many different areas, you know, artists and actors. It's everywhere."
The Argentine concluded by explaining that although he tries to avoid paying attention to negative comments, he recognises that others may be affected more seriously.
"It might say it doesn't hurt me too much because I don't look at it too much. I don't put too much attention. I don't give too much importance to it. But for some, it does. We need to put attention on it and need to improve it. So hopefully, it does help."
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