Alpine’s F1 team have published a unique 11-page letter on Thursday after accusations of “sabotage” towards their driver Franco Colapinto on social media.
The letter, released four days after the last F1 race in China, also condemns social media abuse of 22-year-old Colapinto and Haas driver Esteban Ocon in recent weeks.
Last year, fans of Argentine driver Colapinto were lambasted after Yuki Tsunoda received death threats following an incident between the pair at Imola. French driver Ocon was on the receiving end of similar abuse online after an incident at round two this year in China.
The letter also refers to claims made on social media that the team have prioritised Pierre Gasly over Colapinto so far this season. While Gasly is on 15 points, Colapinto has scored just one point.
“The team would like to clarify the concern of some fans regarding parity between both our cars,” the letter, which was posted over 11 slides on Instagram, read. “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.
“In some instances, given the need to fast-track parts and carefully manage the manufacturing process, the team is only able to bring select parts or upgrades to some events. However, this is never the intended or desired approach, as, if the part is a performance upgrade as we hope and intend, then we want it available on both cars immediately.
“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. 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.
“Any questions about sabotage or not giving Franco the same car are completely unfounded, which is why the team felt the need to speak out.”
“There might be times this year when pushing in the development race that upgrades come to one car first, which the team will communicate and be completely transparent about. That being said, the aim will always remain to bring upgrades to both cars where possible.”
The team also condemned the “hateful messages” Colapinto received after the crash involving Ollie Bearman in Japan on Sunday.
The letter continued: “The team has previously taken a strong stance condemning any hateful behaviour, abuse, threats or bullying online and on social media, and issuing statements to not only condemn it but also encourage people to enjoy social media responsibly and follow community guidelines.
“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. In a highly competitive and complex sport, people will always have differences of opinion and disagree, but we encourage all fans of every team and driver to do it in a kind and respectful way.
“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 condemns the hateful messages aimed towards Franco after last weekend’s race in Japan, the same way it condemns the abuse and threats that were aimed towards Esteban Ocon following a collision between the two cars at the Chinese Grand Prix...
“Subsequently, the team also condemns the hateful behaviour towards Franco following the incident with Ollie Bearman at Suzuka. First of all, the most important thing is the safety and wellbeing of the drivers and thankfully Ollie is OK. The closing speeds are a characteristic of these cars and as stated by the FIA, it’s something that will be closely reviewed in the coming weeks.
“The FIA also reviewed the incident involving Franco and Ollie during the race and deemed that no further action was necessary.”
F1 has a five-week break now until the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.
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