Alpine Driver Franco Colapinto Calls Out Social Media Reactions
Speaking about the events following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the lynching culture on social media, Franco Colapinto stated that he was also targeted.
Alpine driver Franco Colapinto made statements regarding the escalating social media debates and lynching culture following the crash at the Azerbaijan GP. Stating that he was also targeted, the driver emphasized that hate speech comes from all fan groups.
Azerbaijan GP Crash and Penalties
Following the safety car period in Azerbaijan, a mistake at the first turn resulted in his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren driver Lando Norris retiring from the race.
Following this crash, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto was handed a five-place grid penalty ahead of the upcoming race.
Lando Norris and Argentine Fans
Lando Norris, who used expressions suggesting Colapinto should be banned after the race, was subjected to reactions from Argentine fans on social media.
While Norris later apologized for his heavily criticized remarks, Alpine executive Flavio Briatore threatened the Argentine media with an embargo.
Colapinto's Statement on Social Media
Breaking his silence in front of the press, Franco Colapinto stated that people fail to realize the harm they inflict on others when typing behind keyboards.
Reminding that drivers are also human beings at the end of the day, Colapinto expressed that such processes are not easy for them at all.
Dimensions of the Wave of Hate
Acknowledging that a large portion of the reactions came from passionate Argentine fans, Colapinto stated that this situation was not limited to them alone.
Emphasizing that the wave of hate came from all over the world and from the fan groups of many other drivers as well, the driver said that he was also being lynched.
Norris's Apology and Delicate Balances
Stating that he understands Lando Norris used those expressions in the heat of the moment, Colapinto reminded that Norris had previously spoken out against hate speech.
Stating that they have to maintain a delicate balance between themselves and the outside world, the driver added that careful attention must be paid to the words spoken.