Alpine has issued another condemnation of social media abuse following the reaction to the crash triggered by Franco Colapinto yesterday.
Further abusive comments targeted various people involved in yesterday’s crash. Lando Norris, who sharply criticised Colapinto’s driving, was among those who received abusive messages.“As a team, we feel it’s necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix,” said Alpine in a statement. “Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula One community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport. Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments.
“Condemning abuse on social media is not aimed at any one fan base or the supporters of one team or driver, this is universal and should be called out and recognised to all fans of the sport. As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula One, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned.
“We know as a proud participant and stakeholder in the sport, we hold a responsibility to speak out and also help support in finding a solution. We will continue to work closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways in which to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula One is renowned for and what makes it so special.”
Alpine’s statement comes just three days after the FIA condemned the abuse aimed at Alpine’s other driver, Pierre Gasly, who was attacked by supporters of Colapinto for briefly delaying his team mate during the Spanish Grand Prix.
The FIA also defended its stewards last month following further abuse by supporters of Colapinto over the two penalties he received in the Dutch Grand Prix.
This article will be updated
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