Death threats against Lando Norris and the Colapinto case: Alpine weighs in

The Franco Colapinto controversy erupts in Formula 1. The Argentine Alpine driver found himself in the eye of the storm after his kamikaze move during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in his elimination from the race, as well as that of his teammate Pierre Gasly and world champion Lando Norris.

Colapinto immediately apologized after the incident (“A big mistake—I threw it all away, and I apologize”), but Norris was scathing: “I was simply knocked out of the race. The FIA should be stricter and suspend drivers for this kind of thing. These people should be suspended because that kind of driving doesn’t belong in F1.”

Norris’s reaction sparked yet another storm on social media: Colapinto’s Argentine fans lashed out at the English world champion with insults and death threats. Since this phenomenon is not new but has been repeated by the Argentine driver’s supporters, the Alpine team itself stepped in on Sunday.

“As a team, we feel it is necessary to take a stand once again regarding the online hate and abuse that occurred after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. These remarks were not directed solely at one of our drivers, but also at members of the Formula 1 community—including the media—and at our colleagues whom we respect, admire, and love to compete against at the highest level. When racing at the limit, mistakes happen, and regardless of the result or outcome, no one should be the target of offensive and hateful comments.”

“Our condemnation of social media abuse is not directed at any specific fan base or the supporters of any particular team or driver; rather, it is a universal phenomenon that must be denounced and brought to the attention of all fans of this sport. As we have stated on previous occasions, we firmly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula 1, the FIA, and the other teams in their efforts to put an end to this phenomenon. It has become a recurring issue in recent races and cannot be tolerated. We are aware that, as proud participants in this sport, we have a responsibility to take a stand and contribute to finding a solution.”

As for Colapinto, Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s technical director, was very harsh with his driver and did not rule out disciplinary action.