Daily News 19

Tag: Alpine F1 Team

  • Pierre Gasly Condemns Social Media Abuse as “Completely Inappropriate” After Franco Colapinto Spanish GP Incident

    Pierre Gasly Condemns Social Media Abuse as “Completely Inappropriate” After Franco Colapinto Spanish GP Incident

    Key Highlights

    • Pierre Gasly revealed he and his family received social media abuse and threats after the Spanish Grand Prix incident with Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto.
    • Both drivers addressed the issue in Baku, with Colapinto condemning the abuse and urging fans to support the team constructively rather than attack drivers.
    • The on-track incident has been resolved internally at Alpine, with both drivers confirming discussions took place and no team order for a position swap was issued.

    Gasly Details Disturbing Scale of Online Abuse After Spanish GP

    Pierre Gasly has disclosed the disturbing extent of social media abuse directed at him, his family, and his girlfriend following the Spanish Grand Prix, where an on-track situation with Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto sparked a wave of online vitriol. Speaking to media including Motorsport.com in Baku on Wednesday, the French driver described the threats and attacks as “completely inappropriate” and called on Formula 1 to address a culture where lines are crossed “too many times” by fans hiding behind keyboards.

    The incident occurred during the closing stages of the Madrid race when Colapinto, on fresher tyres, caught Gasly, who was managing worn rubber ahead of a scheduled pit stop. Despite team warnings about his teammate’s approach, Gasly held his line and requested the pit wall not distract him. Colapinto subsequently called for a position swap over team radio. Gasly pitted at the end of the lap, allowing Colapinto to inherit seventh place ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

    Drivers Unite in Condemnation of Toxic Fan Behavior

    In the Azerbaijan paddock, both drivers presented a united front against the subsequent harassment. Gasly emphasized the personal toll when abuse extends beyond the driver to loved ones.

    “I think personally I find it a little bit disturbing for our sport. I think to the extent you know I’m a top athlete, so I know I’m exposed, it’s always been the case. But to that extent of threats and attacks, I find it a little bit, well even completely inappropriate, especially when it reaches out to family members, girlfriend, etc,”

    Gasly reflected on the changing landscape of fan interaction since his Formula 1 debut, urging the sport to foster a healthier environment.

    “I don’t think that should be the case. I leave it there, but things were not that way in the past and I think as a sport we just need to find a way to make it a healthier place because you’re exposed.” Gasly said. “You’re going to be attacked, you can be liked, you can be disliked, it’s completely fine. But there is a certain line that should not be crossed just because you’re behind the screen on a keyboard and these lines are crossed a bit too many times.”

    Colapinto, who has attracted a massive and passionate Argentine following since his arrival in F1, explicitly condemned the abuse targeting his teammate. He drew parallels to previous incidents, including the online attacks directed at Yuki Tsunoda following their clash in Austria last year and the abuse received by stewards after the Zandvoort race.

    “We are always working as a team, and it’s not nice to see it, so hopefully they can stop it,” Colapinto said. “The same that happened to other drivers, Yuki [Tsunoda following a clash in Austria] last year was quite bad as well at one point, and talked about it, and the stewards, I think after Zandvoort, went to see them as well, they had some abuse after the penalty they gave me.

    “It happens a lot with fans in Formula 1, in any sport, nowadays it’s something very common, unfortunately that shouldn’t be common, and definitely should be taken more care about the things, the words that they come out of the keyboards of everyone.

    “The way to support us as a team is to push the team forward and stay strong together, and yeah, hopefully it doesn’t keep happening, but it’s something tricky with fans in the sport, and it’s not just my fans. I’ve got some very passionate ones, and they want me to do well, and hopefully they can enjoy the good results I’m having.”

    On-Track Incident Resolved Internally at Alpine

    Beyond the social media fallout, both drivers confirmed the racing incident itself has been addressed behind closed doors at Alpine. Colapinto stated the matter was handled by the team with a focus on learning, while Gasly clarified the nature of the team communications during the race.

    “I think it was handled by the team, and I think we always try to learn from those things and those situations, so hopefully we learn and we can move forward,”

    “We obviously discussed it with the team. There wasn’t a call for an actual swap, it’s all been discussed with the team and it’s all clear.”

    Why This Matters

    The Gasly-Colapinto episode highlights a growing crisis in Formula 1 regarding online harassment. As the sport’s popularity surges—driven by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and expanding global audiences—the volume and toxicity of social media interactions have escalated. Drivers including Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Nicholas Latifi have previously spoken about death threats and abuse targeting families. The FIA and Formula 1 have launched initiatives like the “Drive Out Hate” campaign, but enforcement remains challenging across decentralized platforms. For teams like Alpine, managing internal driver dynamics while protecting personnel from external toxicity has become a critical operational concern. The fact that both drivers publicly aligned on condemning the abuse—and clarified the racing incident was a misunderstanding resolved internally—signals a maturing approach to team cohesion under pressure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly happened between Gasly and Colapinto at the Spanish Grand Prix?

    During the final laps, Franco Colapinto caught Pierre Gasly on older tyres. Gasly held his position despite team warnings about his teammate’s pace, prompting Colapinto to request a position swap over radio. Gasly pitted shortly after, allowing Colapinto to finish seventh.

    Did Alpine issue a team order for Gasly to let Colapinto pass?

    No. Gasly explicitly confirmed in Baku: “There wasn’t a call for an actual swap.” The matter was discussed internally and resolved.

    Has Formula 1 taken action against online abuse of drivers?

    Formula 1 and the FIA have launched campaigns such as “Drive Out Hate” and work with social media platforms to identify and remove abusive content. However, drivers continue to report that threats—especially those targeting family members—remain prevalent and often go unpunished.

  • Alpine Hires Former Mercedes F1 Tech Chief Mike Elliott as CTO

    Alpine Hires Former Mercedes F1 Tech Chief Mike Elliott as CTO

    Key Highlights

    • Alpine F1 appoints former Mercedes CTO Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer in a newly created role at the Enstone factory.
    • Elliott returns to Enstone after previous tenure as principal aerodynamicist during the Renault and Lotus eras, bringing eight Constructors’ and eight Drivers’ championship pedigree.
    • The appointment comes as Alpine fights Racing Bulls for fifth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship ahead of its 2026 transition to Mercedes power units.

    Alpine Bolsters Technical Leadership with Mike Elliott Appointment

    The BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team has confirmed the appointment of Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer, a newly created position designed to oversee the technical and engineering functions at the team’s factory at Enstone. The announcement, made on Thursday, signals a significant reinforcement of the squad’s technical hierarchy as the outfit targets a return to the front of the grid. Elliott, a 52-year-old British engineer, assumes immediate responsibility for the entire technical area, with current Executive Technical Director David Sanchez now reporting directly into him.

    A Proven Championship Pedigree Returns to Enstone

    The hiring represents a notable homecoming for Elliott, who previously served as the team’s principal aerodynamicist during its Renault and Lotus iterations. His career trajectory since departing Enstone has been defined by sustained success at Mercedes. He joined the Brackley-based squad as Head of Aerodynamics, playing a pivotal role in the team’s early dominance of the 2014 hybrid regulations. Elliott subsequently rose through the ranks to serve as Technical Director and ultimately Chief Technical Officer, a tenure that saw him trade positions with James Allison before his departure from Mercedes in 2023.

    Alpine Highlights Championship CV and Strategic Fit

    In its official statement, Alpine emphasized the depth of Elliott’s winning experience. “He has a proven track record in the sport, having contributed to an impressive eight constructors’ and eight drivers’ championships,” the team stated. Alpine further contextualized the strategic rationale behind the hire, noting that “Elliott’s arrival at Enstone strengthens the team’s technical capabilities as the team looks to build on the improved performances on track and close the gap to the top four teams.” This mandate aligns directly with the team’s current trajectory, having sacrificed development on the 2024 car to prioritize the 2025 and 2026 projects.

    Why This Matters

    The appointment of Mike Elliott is a definitive statement of intent from Alpine and its parent company, Renault Group. After a difficult start to the current regulatory cycle, the team has shown signs of recovery in 2025, currently battling Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Crucially, 2026 marks a seismic shift for the Enstone operation: it will be the first season Alpine competes as a customer team for Mercedes power units, ending its factory engine program. Elliott’s intimate knowledge of Mercedes’ power unit installation requirements, cooling architectures, and aero-philosophy—gained during his decade-long stint at Brackley—provides a unique bridge between the chassis team and their new engine partner. His elevation above David Sanchez also clarifies a technical reporting structure that has seen frequent reorganization in recent years, placing a single, highly experienced figure at the apex of technical decision-making ahead of the all-new 2026 regulations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Mike Elliott’s specific mandate at Alpine?

    Elliott has been appointed Chief Technical Officer, a newly created role in which he will “oversee the technical and engineering functions at the team’s factory at Enstone.” He sits atop the technical hierarchy, with Executive Technical Director David Sanchez now reporting to him.

    Why is his Mercedes background significant for Alpine’s 2026 season?

    Alpine will switch to Mercedes customer power units in 2026. Elliott spent over a decade at Mercedes, rising to CTO, giving him unparalleled insight into the power unit’s integration requirements, which is critical for designing the all-new 2026 chassis regulations.

    How has Alpine performed recently to warrant this structural change?

    After a deliberate strategy of sacrificing 2024 development to focus on future regulations, Alpine has made a strong start to the 2025 season, currently fighting Racing Bulls for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

  • Alpine Appoints Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer

    Alpine Appoints Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer

    Alpine has confirmed the appointment of Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer, marking a significant return to Formula 1 for the British engineer following his departure from Mercedes in late 2023.

    Extensive Formula 1 Pedigree

    Elliott brings 23 years of elite-level experience to the Enstone-based operation. His career began at McLaren in 2000 as an aerodynamicist, where he advanced through various technical roles before joining Renault in 2008. He remained with the Enstone outfit through its various iterations until 2012, when he moved to Mercedes.

    At Mercedes, Elliott progressed to Head of Aerodynamics before serving as Technology Director from 2017 to 2021 and Technical Director between 2021 and 2023. He briefly assumed the Chief Technical Officer role in a 2023 leadership swap with James Allison, departing the team six months later.

    Alpine Statement on Appointment

    In a statement confirming his appointment, Alpine stated that Elliott will “oversee the technical and engineering functions at the team’s factory at Enstone” in his new position, adding: “He has a proven track record in the sport, having contributed to an impressive eight Constructors’ and eight Drivers’ Championships.

    “Elliott’s arrival at Enstone strengthens the team’s technical capabilities as the team looks to build on the improved performances on track and close the gap to the top four teams.”

    Strategic Significance for Alpine

    The hiring represents a clear statement of intent from Alpine as they target a return to the front of the grid. Elliott’s championship-winning experience at Mercedes, combined with his prior knowledge of the Enstone facility, positions him to make an immediate impact on the team’s technical direction for the 2025 season and beyond.

  • ‘Everyone Was Buzzing’: Pierre Gasly’s Monza Pole ‘Brings Belief and Motivation’ to Alpine Ahead of 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

    ‘Everyone Was Buzzing’: Pierre Gasly’s Monza Pole ‘Brings Belief and Motivation’ to Alpine Ahead of 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

    Pierre Gasly believes his maiden Formula 1 pole position at Monza “brings belief and motivation” to Alpine as the team targets another strong result at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend. The French driver’s surprise pole at the Italian Grand Prix marked a dramatic turnaround for the Enstone-based squad, which spent much of the 2025 season battling at the rear of the grid.

    Monza Breakthrough Fuels Team Confidence

    Speaking during Thursday’s media session ahead of the inaugural race at the Madring circuit, Gasly emphasized the psychological impact of the team’s breakthrough performance.

    “It meant a lot to all the team, because it’s not like we’ve had easy weekends, especially coming from last year into 2026,” he said. “We put a lot of effort into this year’s car, and to actually get the reward from all that hard work from everyone was incredible.

    “The smiles I could see on the faces in the garage, all the people at the factory – everyone was buzzing. I’m very pleased for all of them that we were able to do it.

    “It just brings that extra confidence and boost of motivation that if we actually get everything right, this type of result — which seems unachievable — is actually possible. I think it definitely brings belief and motivation to try to do even better and repeat this type of performance.I told the guys it’s been 17 years since there was a pole for Enstone, and I’m not waiting another 17 years until we do another one. So it’s a great boost of motivation, and hopefully we can repeat that in the near future.”

    New Challenge at the Madring Circuit

    Drivers and teams face a completely different test this weekend at the Madring, a new venue featuring high-speed, banked corners that none of the competitors have raced on before. Gasly described the circuit as “it’s going to be a proper racing track” and shared his initial impressions from simulator work.

    “I have no idea about the racing yet, but driving-wise in the simulator it was incredible, so I’m excited to see what it’s like in real life.”

    Zidane Meeting Provides Extra Inspiration

    Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Gasly spent time with football legend Zinedine Zidane while filming a collaborative project. The Alpine driver, a passionate football fan, revealed he sought advice from the newly appointed France national team coach following the Monza success.

    “I’m a big fan of Zizou, so it’s always nice. He’s such a nice guy, and it’s always great to actually have access to him,”

    Gasly said.

    “He’s now the coach of our national team, so you know how much I love football. I was asking questions and trying to get a few bits of information on what’s coming.”

  • Monaco GP Appeal Ruling Fails to Motivate Pierre Gasly for Monza F1 Pole Bid

    Monaco GP Appeal Ruling Fails to Motivate Pierre Gasly for Monza F1 Pole Bid

    Pierre Gasly says he could have done without the FIA’s International Court of Appeal decision to strip him of his Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix podium, especially after securing a shock maiden pole position at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

    ICA Overturns Monaco Stewards’ Decision

    The ICA overruled the Monaco stewards’ call to overturn Gasly’s pit-lane speeding penalties from the Monaco race after the pit-lane measurements were found to be inaccurate. After crossing the finish line in third, being demoted to seventh and then recovering third, the Alpine driver has eventually been classified seventh in the final classification of the race.

    Gasly Reacts to ICA Ruling

    A little over 24 hours later, Gasly took a shock maiden F1 pole at the Italian Grand Prix, outpacing Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.060s. Asked if the ICA’s decision was providing “a bit of extra motivation,” the Frenchman was circumspect.

    “I don’t think I can say much about this and all I can say is it’s not a nice situation, not ideal,” the Frenchman replied. “Obviously, I try to use everything I can into something positive and extra motivation, but I think I could have dealt without it this weekend. Yeah, that’s all I’ll say.”

    Qualifying Masterclass After Tough Practice

    After missing Free Practice 1 for Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron to fulfil rookie requirements, Gasly was just 14th in FP2 and ninth in FP3, but leapt forward in qualifying with first in Q1, fourth in Q2 and the fastest time in Q3 – a performance he attributes to “perfect execution” from the team.

    “We knew that there was a bit more on the table in the practice sessions,” Gasly commented, “and then I think it was a very good execution from the team, always putting me in a great position on track, managing the gap as best we could, really.”

    “My last lap, managed to target slightly over 2.5 seconds behind Lewis [Hamilton] when he was going to be fast and sort of drag me with him. So, I think it was perfect execution.”

    “The car balance is probably one of the best I’ve had so far this year, really. Again, gave me the confidence to attack all these corners and sliding around and playing around with the car, and we managed to make it work in that last run when everything mattered.”

    Race Outlook: Front-Runners Behind, Antonelli Starts 20th

    Winning will be a tall order for Gasly, with most frontrunners right behind him on the grid – except championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will start from 20th after exceeding his power unit allowance.

    “It’s going to be obviously great. I’m in the best position, right?” Gasly insisted. “I’m starting first, got no one ahead of me. I just got to focus on my driving and, you know, I know what it looks like having no one around this track, so that’s a good advantage and probably the best place to do it.”

    Six years ago, a fortunately timed safety car intervention vaulted Gasly to the front of the pack; he led for the last 26 laps, withstanding Carlos Sainz’s pressure on his way to a maiden – and so far only – victory.

    “But then, yeah, it’s going to be a long race,” he pondered.

    “I actually felt quite good. Obviously not to the pace of these guys around us, but we seem to have picked up more pace from yesterday to today. So, we’ll obviously give our best shot and see what we can get out of it. But, yeah, I’m excited.”

  • F1 Italian GP: Sunday Schedule, Weather Forecast & How to Watch

    F1 Italian GP: Sunday Schedule, Weather Forecast & How to Watch

    Gasly Claims Stunning Pole for Alpine at 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Formula 1 arrives at Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix with Pierre Gasly on pole position after a remarkable qualifying performance for Alpine at Monza. The French driver edged out George Russell by a mere 0.060 seconds to secure his first career pole position, capitalizing on a strategic tow from Lewis Hamilton during the final Q3 runs.

    Grid Penalties Reshape Starting Order

    The provisional grid faces significant changes due to penalties. Oscar Piastri qualified third for McLaren but will drop three places after impeding Liam Lawson, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s seventh-place result at his home race becomes largely academic due to an engine penalty that will relegate him to the back of the field. Lando Norris lines up eighth after missing the benefit of a slipstream from teammate Piastri in the closing stages of qualifying.

    Race Day Factors: Speed, Slipstreams and Heat

    Sunday’s 53-lap contest at the Temple of Speed promises to be shaped by a combination of straight-line velocity, slipstream tactics, energy management, and extreme temperatures. Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones place a premium on aerodynamic efficiency and power unit performance, while the forecast heat adds another layer of complexity to tyre degradation and brake cooling strategies.

    Italian Grand Prix Sunday Schedule

    The 2026 Italian Grand Prix starts at 3:00 PM CEST on Sunday, September 6. International viewers can tune in at the following times:

    • United Kingdom: 2:00 PM BST
    • US Eastern Time: 9:00 AM ET

    How to Watch the 2026 Italian GP

    Broadcast arrangements vary by region for the 2026 season:

    • United States: Apple TV serves as the primary broadcast partner, with all sessions available on the platform. F1 TV remains the global subscription streaming option.
    • United Kingdom: Sky Sports holds exclusive live rights throughout 2026, with streaming via Sky Go and NOW. Free-to-air highlights air on Channel 4.

    Motorsport.com will provide live text coverage and updates throughout the race weekend.

    Weekend Timetable Recap

    All times local to Monza (CEST):

    • Friday, September 4 — Free Practice 1: 12:30 PM
    • Friday, September 4 — Free Practice 2: 4:00 PM
    • Saturday, September 5 — Free Practice 3: 12:30 PM
    • Saturday, September 5 — Qualifying: 4:00 PM
    • Sunday, September 6 — Grand Prix: 3:00 PM

    Sunday Weather Forecast

    Monza is set for hot, mostly sunny conditions on race day. Temperatures are expected to reach approximately 30°C by midday, making tyre life management, brake temperature control, and engine cooling critical performance differentiators. While a passing shower cannot be entirely ruled out, the primary weather influence will be heat rather than precipitation.

    Circuit Profile: Monza

    Circuit: Monza
    Location: Monza, Italy
    Event: Italian Grand Prix
    Circuit Type: Permanent road course

    Known as Formula 1’s Temple of Speed, Monza features long straights, demanding braking zones, and low-downforce requirements that prioritize efficiency, power, and driver confidence under heavy deceleration.

    Driver Changes for the Weekend

    Isack Hadjar is sidelined by injury for the Italian GP. Liam Lawson replaces him at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up to Racing Bulls for the event.

  • Analysis: Why Franco Colapinto Was Rewarded with an Alpine Contract Extension

    Analysis: Why Franco Colapinto Was Rewarded with an Alpine Contract Extension

    Franco Colapinto has secured a contract extension with Alpine Formula 1 Team, locking in his race seat for the 2027 season alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. The announcement rewards the Argentine driver’s significant step forward in performance during the 2026 campaign.

    From Reserve to Race Leader

    Colapinto joined Alpine as a reserve driver in 2025 following a strong nine-race debut with Williams at the tail end of 2024, where he replaced Logan Sargeant. He was promoted to a race seat early in the 2025 season after Jack Doohan’s departure, ultimately fending off a challenge from reserve driver Paul Aron to retain the drive for 2026.

    Turning Point in 2026

    The 23-year-old’s early season form was inconsistent. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore stated at the time that he felt Colapinto was “lost” before finding himself and his form and maturing into a “different” driver later in the season.

    That maturity translated into results. Colapinto has scored points in six of the first 12 Grands Prix of 2026, with a season-high finish of sixth place in Montreal. Combined with Gasly’s continued high performance — the Frenchman is under contract until at least the end of 2028 — Alpine sits sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, meeting the minimum target Briatore set for the year.

    Stability for a Rebuilding Project

    Alpine evaluated other options but was ultimately convinced by Colapinto’s improved on-track pace, growing maturity, and tenacity. His strong working relationship with Gasly fosters team harmony, while his rapport with Briatore and the wider engineering group has deepened.

    Commercial factors also played a role. Colapinto brings significant financial backing and a massive South American fanbase, enhancing the team’s sponsor appeal in the region. This all-round package led to the decision, with the driver believed to have been informed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort.

    Focus Shifts to 2027 Ambitions

    With the driver lineup settled early, Alpine can concentrate fully on its primary challenge: closing the performance gap to the frontrunners. The team remains in a rebuilding phase, and lineup stability is seen as critical to accelerating development.

    The early renewal also removes contract uncertainty for Colapinto, allowing him to focus on maximizing results over the remainder of 2026. Alpine is currently battling for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, a position the team believes is achievable by season’s end.

    That momentum would set up 2027 — when the squad will be rebranded as the Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team — with ambitions to significantly reduce the deficit to the top teams.

    Williams Door Closed

    Speculation linked Colapinto with a return to Williams, the team where he made his F1 debut. However, the British outfit has retained Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon for 2027, making Alpine the most logical and, ultimately, the only viable landing spot.

    Colapinto is reportedly very happy within the Alpine structure. Having failed to score in 2025, he absorbed the pressure to deliver in 2026 with impressive resilience. The challenge now is to maintain his upward trajectory and return to consistent points finishes for the rest of the season.

  • Franco Colapinto Secures New Alpine Deal for 2027 F1 Season

    Franco Colapinto Secures New Alpine Deal for 2027 F1 Season

    Alpine Retains Franco Colapinto for 2027 Formula 1 Season

    Alpine has confirmed Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season, extending the Argentine driver’s stay for a second full-time campaign.

    The 23-year-old will continue alongside Alpine lead driver Pierre Gasly, who has been Colapinto’s team-mate since the Argentine joined the French team at the seventh round of the 2025 season.

    Colapinto entered the 2026 season under pressure to impress Alpine executive Flavio Briatore after an inconsistent 2025 campaign. He responded with more reliable performances in Alpine’s significantly improved car, scoring 19 points compared with Gasly’s 44.

    His best Formula 1 result came in Montreal, where he finished sixth. After 12 rounds of the current season, Colapinto sits 12th in the drivers’ championship.

    “I am very pleased to remain with this team in 2027,” he said. “I feel very happy and very settled here and it’s been even better that we have made significant progress this year compared to last. We have a lot more milestones to reach and I know the team is working so hard in finding performance and making the car better and better.

    “Our long-term goals are obvious – to compete and win – and I am grateful to the team, Flavio [Briatore] and Steve [Nielsen], for the trust placed in me to be one of its drivers going into the future. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything plays out and focusing on my job on-track first and foremost.”

    Franco Colapinto, Alpine, Pierre Gasly, Alpine. Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

    Colapinto earns long-term Alpine opportunity

    Colapinto made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2024, completing a nine-race stint after replacing Logan Sargeant. Alpine signed him for 2025 as part of a group of reserve drivers supporting Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan.

    However, Doohan was replaced by Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix. Colapinto initially struggled to deliver significantly stronger results than the Australian as Alpine dropped towards the back of the field.

    His promising underlying pace, combined with strong backing from Argentine sponsors, helped him retain his race seat for the 2026 season.

    “We are very happy to confirm our driver line-up for 2027 with Franco staying as a race driver alongside Pierre,” Briatore said. “For me, having consistency is very important. We are now settled from a driver point of view and I have said many times that, while this is an important piece of the puzzle, the most significant we have to get right is designing and building a fast race car which absolutely remains our number one priority.

    “We have seen Franco truly grow and mature into a great driver this year. His results in Miami and Montréal especially confirmed what I already knew: Franco belongs in Formula 1 and he belongs at this team. I expect both Franco, and Pierre, to continue doing a fantastic job on track and for the entire team to push relentlessly until we are fighting, and winning, at the front end of this sport.”

  • FIA Explores Legal Action Over Abuse Targeting F1 Stewards After Colapinto’s Dutch GP Penalty

    FIA Explores Legal Action Over Abuse Targeting F1 Stewards After Colapinto’s Dutch GP Penalty

    Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has strongly condemned the wave of online harassment directed at its race stewards following their decision to penalise Alpine driver Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

    Penalties for Overtaking Under Double Yellow Flags

    Both drivers received drive-through penalties on the opening lap for overtaking under double-waved yellow flags. The yellow flags were deployed after a heavy crash involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, which neutralised the final marshal sector of the circuit until the start-finish straight.

    As the yellows were shown, Colapinto overtook Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the final corner, while Lindblad drafted past Alpine’s Pierre Gasly before crossing the start/finish line. Both drivers had been forced to take evasive action due to debris on track.

    Stewards’ Verdict Cites Mitigating Circumstances

    Regarding the Colapinto incident, the FIA stewards issued the following explanation:

    “Car 43 was behind Car 22 entering Turn 14 and overtook Car 22 in the double yellow flag sector before the line at the end of Lap 1. Normally, such infringement requires a 10-second stop/go penalty, but the Stewards acknowledge the complications caused by the significant amount of debris on track at this point and take this into account as mitigating circumstances.”

    The stewards applied an identically phrased verdict for Lindblad’s infraction.

    Sponsor Criticism Sparks Abusive Backlash

    Colapinto described his penalty as extremely harsh, arguing he overtook Tsunoda a split second after the yellows appeared. However, under the strict letter of the regulations, both penalties were clear-cut, as the FIA prioritises safety-related infractions.

    The situation escalated when Colapinto’s Argentinian sponsor, Mercado Libre, launched a scathing attack on the stewards’ integrity via social media. Sean Summers, the company’s chief marketing officer, stated:

    “The Stewards are killing the integrity of F1. This season they are proving to be horrible and impacting race results,” said Sean Summers, Mercado Libre’s chief marketing officer. “Incompetence? Dishonesty? Both? Something is seriously broken in that organisation’s culture.”

    Those inflammatory comments—since removed—fuelled a torrent of abusive threats toward the FIA stewards. Alpine’s official social media channels were also targeted by a vocal section of Argentinian fans who believed the team did not support Colapinto sufficiently.

    Alpine Trusts FIA Process, Acknowledges Harshness

    On Monday, Alpine released a statement addressing the controversy:

    “We fully trust the FIA and the stewards when it comes to the policing of these rules and the application of sporting penalties during a live race scenario.

    “We believe the penalties applied for yellow flag Infringements during the opening laps of the Dutch Grand Prix were indeed harsh, but acknowledge they fit the punishment based on the letter of the law and were consistently applied across all competitors and is something we can review and learn from as a team.”

    FIA Condemns Abuse, Explores Legal Options

    The FIA, which established the United Against Online Abuse campaign to combat harassment in sport, is understood to be exploring legal avenues and released the following statement:

    “Following the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA stewards were targeted with online abuse after applying sporting penalties in line with FIA regulations.

    “The United Against Online Abuse Coalition condemns all forms of abuse and harassment. Disagreement with decisions is part of sport, but it must never justify threats or personal attacks.

    “In 2023, the FIA launched the United Against Online Abuse Coalition after a steward faced targeted abuse following the United States Grand Prix. We urge everyone engaging with our sport to do so with respect and responsibility, online and offline.”

    Nationality Bias Claims Contradicted by Facts

    Among the toxic commentary, suggestions emerged that Colapinto was penalised due to his nationality, alleging bias against non-British drivers. This narrative is directly contradicted by the identical penalty handed to Lindblad—a British driver—for a near-identical infraction on the same lap.