Alpine's Formula 1 team has taken the unprecedented step of publishing a detailed 11-page letter to address and refute allegations of "sabotage" against their driver Franco Colapinto. The letter, released on Thursday, comes just four days after the last Grand Prix in China and serves as a robust condemnation of the social media abuse directed at Colapinto and Haas driver Esteban Ocon in recent weeks.
Addressing Parity Concerns and Sabotage Claims
The comprehensive document, shared across 11 slides on Instagram, explicitly dismisses claims circulating on social media that the team has prioritised Pierre Gasly over Colapinto during the current season. While Gasly has accumulated 15 points so far, Colapinto has secured only a single point, leading to fan speculation about unequal treatment.
"The team would like to clarify the concern of some fans regarding parity between both our cars," the letter states. "The team endeavours to put the two fastest cars on track and provide equal opportunity for both drivers to be competitive and score important points for the team in the championship."
Technical Explanations and Transparency
Alpine acknowledged that in certain instances, due to the necessity of fast-tracking parts and meticulously managing the manufacturing process, the team might only be able to introduce select upgrades at specific events. However, they emphasised that this is never the preferred approach.
"This has remained the case this year and both Pierre and Franco have been running with the same equipment, barring some small low-performance impacting parts in China, due to switching gearbox components," the letter clarifies. "Franco is our driver and the team has placed its trust in him, just as he has with the team. That is an indication of the commitment we have to Franco and his place in the team with equal footing alongside Pierre."
The team firmly labelled any questions about sabotage or providing Colapinto with an inferior car as "completely unfounded," which prompted their decision to speak out publicly. They also pledged future transparency, noting that there might be occasions this year where upgrades reach one car first during the intense development race, but the objective will always be to equip both cars wherever feasible.
Condemning Social Media Abuse
Beyond addressing the sabotage allegations, the letter delivers a strong rebuke of the "hateful messages" aimed at Colapinto following a crash involving Ollie Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix. This incident echoes previous abuse directed at drivers, including death threats against Yuki Tsunoda after an altercation with Colapinto at Imola last year and similar online vitriol towards Ocon after a collision in China earlier this season.
"The team has previously taken a strong stance condemning any hateful behaviour, abuse, threats or bullying online and on social media," the letter continues. "Our stance on this hasn’t changed and remains the same. Social media should be a place to bring people together, share in experiences and encourage healthy debate."
Call for Community Respect
Alpine's message advocates for respectful discourse within the Formula 1 community, urging fans to engage in kind and constructive discussions despite the sport's competitive nature. "This isn’t about one particular fanbase, it’s about the entire Formula 1 community coming together to enjoy the sport we all love and are passionate about," the team asserts.
The letter specifically condemns the abuse targeting Colapinto after the Japan race, paralleling it with the condemnation of threats against Ocon post-China. It also references the FIA's review of the Colapinto-Bearman incident, which concluded that no further action was necessary, and notes that the closing speeds characteristic of modern F1 cars will be examined in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
With Formula 1 now entering a five-week hiatus until the Miami Grand Prix on 3rd May, Alpine's detailed public statement aims to quell rumours, reinforce team unity, and promote a healthier online environment for drivers and fans alike. The 11-page letter stands as a unique and comprehensive response to the dual challenges of unfounded sabotage accusations and pervasive social media toxicity in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
