Rising F1 Star Threatens Social Media Ban on Abusive Fans Following Tsunoda and Doohan Controversies
In an unprecedented move, Franco Colapinto, the promising Formula 1 driver, has issued a stern warning to his unruly and aggressive fans, indicating that he will not hesitate to ban them from his social media platforms. This bold stance comes in the wake of fellow drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Jack Doohan speaking out about the online abuse they have endured.
The drama unfolded at Imola when Colapinto made his return to Formula 1 with Alpine and found himself at the center of a controversy involving Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver expressed his frustration after feeling impeded by Colapinto during a practice session, leading to a barrage of online abuse directed at him. Alpine was prompted to release a statement condemning the hateful behavior of some fans and calling for respect in the sport.
The situation escalated when Jack Doohan, the driver Colapinto replaced at Alpine, called out several Argentine outlets for circulating a fake image depicting his father, Mick Doohan, allegedly mocking Colapinto’s qualifying crash at Imola. Doohan vehemently denied the authenticity of the image, labeling it as “clearly completely false.”
Colapinto, in response to the escalating online abuse in the F1 community, emphasized the need for athletes to focus on what they can control and vowed to take action against abusive fans. Addressing the media ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Colapinto revealed, “I try my best to ban people that I can control regarding more that are my fans.” He acknowledged the passion of some fans but stressed the importance of maintaining respect and curbing aggressive behavior.
The Argentine driver reiterated the need for a positive and respectful environment in motorsport, supporting Tsunoda’s right to be upset over the on-track incident at Imola. Colapinto acknowledged that instances like these highlight the importance of promoting sportsmanship and ensuring that fans enjoy the sport without resorting to disrespectful behavior.
Colapinto is currently in the midst of a five-race audition with the Alpine team, a promotion that has seen Jack Doohan return to the reserve driver role. As the young driver navigates the challenges of professional racing, his firm stance against online abuse sets a precedent for drivers taking a stand against toxic fan behavior in the sport.