Franco Colapinto’s management opted for an extraordinary defensive maneuver after the Alpine driver’s clash with Esteban Ocon in last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
In a pointed attempt to muzzle the Argentine drivers’ hot fanbase known for its fierce loyalty, Bullet Sports Management issued a pre-emptive strike against a wave of potential harassment directed at Ocon.
The flashpoint between the pair occurred on lap 32 as both drivers were locked in a desperate lunging match for the final point-scoring positions.
Ocon, desperate to make up for a strategic disadvantage, launched a "highly optimistic" move up the inside of Colapinto at Turn 2. The result was a tangle of carbon fiber, with the Alpine clipping the Haas’ front wing, sending both cars into a spin.
While Colapinto showed immense resolve to recover and eventually snatch 10th place following Max Verstappen’s retirement, the damage to his car and race pace was undeniable.
Ocon, meanwhile, was slapped with a 10-second penalty and tumbled to 14th. In the media pen, the Frenchman was quick to fall on his sword.
“I deserve the penalty,” he admitted. “I was fighting with Franco the whole race, so that's clearly my fault on that last incident. I was a bit over-optimistic and the gap was not really there.
“There was one point to catch, which for me and him there should have been a lot more today. I'm glad he still scored a point, because he drove a good race.”
The Haas charger admitted the move was a product of desperation: “It was either I get him or it was nothing today. It was taking all the risks, but it shouldn’t have ended that way.”
Despite an immediate apology from Ocon – which Colapinto readily accepted – the Argentine's management team, led by Jamie Campbell-Walter, sensed a brewing storm.
Colapinto’s fans are notoriously vocal on social media, and the agency took the rare step of issuing a "Public Service Announcement" to prevent a sporting incident from devolving into an online storm.
“Public service announcement: please do not send hateful messages or death threats to Esteban, his family, or the Haas team,” the statement from Bullet Sports Management read.
“It will not change the incident and only reflects poorly on Franco’s fandom. Thank you for maintaining positive and respectful support.”
The move highlights a growing concern in the paddock regarding the "dark side" of F1’s digital expansion, even as Colapinto lamented his lost opportunity.
“I didn't see the replay, he just hit me on the rear right and broke my car,” he said. “It is what it is and he apologised and it's all good, but of course really annoying to have lost a few points for that.”
The 22-year-old’s entourage remains focused on ensuring his career isn't overshadowed by the vitriol of those claiming to support him.
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