Franco Colapinto has delivered a candid and forthright message to his most devoted supporters: if they really want to help him succeed in Formula 1, they need to stop targeting everyone around him.
The Alpine driver took to social media on Wednesday to call for a change in behaviour among fans whose defence of the Argentine has repeatedly spilled into personal attacks against rival drivers, his team-mate Pierre Gasly and even the mechanics and engineers working to improve his fortunes.
With six rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Colapinto wants that hostility replaced by something considerably more constructive. And his message comes after a series of incidents in which online abuse directed at others has become an increasingly uncomfortable sideshow to his racing career.
When impassioned support turns into a problem
The controversy gathered momentum at last month’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Alpine declined to switch its drivers despite Colapinto appearing to have the quicker car while Gasly was under pressure from Oscar Piastri.
The decision provoked a furious online reaction, with Gasly becoming a target of abuse that reportedly extended to threats against his family.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore was subsequently reported to have warned Colapinto that his Argentine media commitments could be withdrawn unless the situation improved.
Gasly later spoke out against the harassment, highlighting how the attacks had reached beyond the drivers themselves and affected people close to them.
A fresh eruption followed in Azerbaijan, where a first-corner collision during a Safety Car restart eliminated Colapinto, Gasly and Lando Norris. The McLaren driver's immediate call for Colapinto to receive a ban prompted another wave of online hostility, this time directed at Norris.
Alpine has already issued several appeals for an end to such behaviour in 2026. Now, Colapinto has decided to address his supporters directly, making clear that loyalty should not come at the expense of his colleagues and competitors.
Colapinto wants fans to change their approach
In a lengthy Instagram statement, the Argentine acknowledged the passion and encouragement he has received while questioning whether some supporters are ultimately doing him more harm than good.
"First, I’ve been watching you guys from the sidelines, but it’s necessary that we change things and improve. I’m always grateful, and I really feel lucky to have had you from the very beginning: the support you give me, the advice you offer, and how you push me and the team to do our best,” he said.
"You help us achieve great results in our races and during our daily training sessions. But there’s no improvement, and honestly, I’ve been very frustrated when things don’t go well for the whole team or for me.
"And similarly, instead of supporting me, we end up criticising and attacking other drivers, my team-mates, my mechanics, and my engineers. So, with [the fans], I’m left wondering if they’re defending me or actually doing the opposite.
"I really want to focus on what we need to change. Together, we have to work to improve what we’ve done so far and help me achieve better performance, to become the best version of myself, and to realise my dream, my results, my points, which will help me in 2027.
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"Together, we’ll keep moving forward because it hasn't been going well.
"It’s time to take a break from social media and the constant criticism. What’s really important is focusing on my dream, my racing career, and working with the team to achieve the results we want and the goals we need.
"So, rest assured that I’m not going to let you down. I’ll keep serving us in the races and keep pushing forward. I want the team to support me, and I want to support the team. Together, we’re going to achieve great results. Yes, we’re going all out; we’re going to keep striving hard.
"I’m going to bring home good results with plenty of points. Let’s go all out as a great team, supporting each other and moving forward through the good times and the bad, and this is what I’ll find out very, very soon in the upcoming races. I
"I’m incredibly grateful from the bottom of my heart for your understanding. Thank you for coming and for being there for me," ended Colapinto.
With his immediate focus on extracting more from Alpine over the closing rounds, Colapinto has made his position unmistakable.
He wants better performances, more points and a stronger team environment – not a fanbase that turns every setback into an excuse to attack someone else.
For a driver whose future beyond 2026 remains a significant consideration, that distinction matters. The support he needs is the kind that helps him move forward, not the kind that leaves fresh damage in its wake.
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