F1 | Alpine responds to controversy: "Enough hate on social media."

Following the controversy that arose on social media following the accident involving Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman in the Japanese Grand Prix, Alpine Alpine has issued an official statement to clarify matters. The team condemned the attacks and also addressed concerns raised by some fans, particularly regarding the management of the cars and the internal balance of power within the team. In the statement, the team emphasizes that this is not the first time it has taken a stand against offensive behavior online. Alpine reiterates that social media should be a space for discussion and sharing, not for insults or threats. In a competitive sport like Formula 1, differing opinions are normal, but the team encourages all fans to express them in a civil manner.

Alpine's press release

Dear Alpine supporters and Formula One fans, After analyzing the online and social media reactions following the Japanese Grand Prix, as a team, we feel it is our duty to reach out to our fans to clarify some points and answer several questions that have arisen. We also want to reiterate our stance against the hatred and abuse directed not only at one of our drivers, but also at other key figures in the world of Formula One.

The team has taken a clear stance in the past, condemning offensive behavior, abuse, threats, and bullying online and on social media, publishing statements to discourage them and calling for responsible use of the platforms.

Our position has not changed and remains the same: social media should be a place to bring people together, share experiences, and foster healthy discussion. In a highly competitive and complex sport, it's normal to have different opinions and disagree, but we encourage all fans, of every team and driver, to always express themselves with respect and kindness.

It's not about a single fan base, but the entire Formula One community coming together to enjoy the sport we all love and are passionate about.

The team condemns the hateful messages directed at Franco after last weekend's race in Japan, as well as the abuse and threats directed at Esteban Ocon following the collision between their two cars at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The two drivers were racing hard and battling for position; Esteban took full responsibility, apologizing to Franco both in person and on social media. The ensuing attacks do not reflect the spirit of the sport, and we recognize that it was a mistake not to intervene earlier. Any form of abuse directed at drivers is unacceptable, and it was particularly disappointing to see it coming from a minority of team fans toward a driver who has given so much to the team and is also a Grand Prix winner with Alpine.

Subsequently, the team also condemns the offensive behavior toward Franco following the incident with Ollie Bearman at Suzuka. The safety and well-being of the drivers is paramount, and fortunately, Ollie is fine. High relative speeds are a characteristic of these cars, and, as stated by the FIA, the matter will be carefully analyzed in the coming weeks.

The FIA ​​also reviewed the incident between Franco and Ollie during the race and determined that no further action was necessary.

The team closely monitors its channels and uses tools to moderate comments that violate community guidelines. This is an issue we are in constant dialogue with Formula One and the FIA, with the aim of addressing and reducing it in the future.

No disparity between the drivers: the team's position

As the team and the sport enter a brief break and reflect on the first three races of the season, we also want to address concerns some fans have about the parity between our two cars.

The team is committed to putting the two fastest cars possible on the track and to ensuring equal opportunities for both drivers to be competitive and score important championship points.

In some cases, to speed up development and manage production, only certain components or upgrades may be available for certain events. However, this is never the desired approach: if an upgrade improves performance, we want it to be available immediately on both cars. This year was the same: both Pierre and Franco used the same equipment, except for small differences in China related to the replacement of gearbox components.

Franco is our driver, and the team has faith in him, just as he has faith in the team. This demonstrates our commitment to him and his equal role with Pierre.

Any suggestion of sabotage or unequal treatment between the two cars is completely unfounded, which is why we felt it necessary to intervene. There may be times when some updates arrive first on one car, but we will always communicate this transparently. The goal remains to equip both cars as soon as possible.

It's absolutely not in the team's best interest not to score points, and any self-sabotage theory makes no sense in this regard. After the first few races, the team is in a good position, but it remains focused and grounded. In the last two races, we were the fourth-fastest car, and we know we'll have to work hard to maintain this level and have both cars consistently in the points.

The team at Enstone is working hard and is motivated by the fans' support to continue improving. Pierre and Franco are also working hard and will be at the factory during the break, collaborating with the engineers and using the simulator to improve every detail.

An often overlooked aspect is how much the drivers work together and share information. Pierre and Franco meet regularly in the technical offices to analyze data and feedback. We're fortunate to have Pierre's experience, and as demonstrated in his first races, he's a top-level driver.

The engineering team is united and working in the same direction, as are Pierre and Franco. There's no withholding of information or performance secrets: these practices are a thing of the past and not part of modern Formula One, where every piece of data is crucial to success, especially with new cars and power units.

Seasonal goals and a look to the future

As racing fans, we can't wait to get back on track and are ready for the Miami race in a few weeks. We'll use this break to analyze the first races, improve, and come back even stronger. Franco, meanwhile, is thrilled to return to Argentina and meet the fans, reciprocating their tremendous support.

On the track, our rivals won't stand still, and neither will we.

We truly appreciate your continued support; it doesn't go unnoticed. Stay tuned for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the factory.

BWT Alpine Formula One Team