Alpine and FIA Condemn Online Abuse Against Yuki Tsunoda at Imola

The Alpine Formula 1 team and the FIA have condemned online abuse directed at Yuki Tsunoda following a practice incident with Franco Colapinto at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

Colapinto, returning to F1 with Alpine, impeded several drivers in FP1, including Red Bull's Tsunoda, who reacted with visible frustration at being blocked.

Despite the incident being a typical, low-stakes Friday practice occurrence, a segment of Argentinian fans directed abuse, some with racial undertones, at Tsunoda via his Instagram account.

Colapinto had previously encouraged his fans to show respect to other drivers, both before the weekend and after qualifying, acknowledging Tsunoda's right to be upset. Alpine and the FIA have now also publicly denounced the online abuse targeting Tsunoda from a small minority of fans throughout the weekend.

Alpine's statement highlighted:

"As an F1 team, we believe we are fortunate to be part of a global sport that evokes great passion and emotions, with an ever-growing community of fans who enthusiastically follow their favourite drivers' every move, whether it be a brave overtake on track or what style they are sporting when they arrive in the paddock.

"We encourage everyone to remember that behind the visor of these superhuman athletes there is a person, an individual with feelings, family, friends and loved ones.

"As a team, we cannot condone online abuse and urge all fans of this sport we love, to be kind and respectful."

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who is leading a campaign against online abuse, commented:

"Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and every race drivers take to the track representing these values. That passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hate.

"I stand in full support of Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against the growing issue of online abuse in motorsport."

Earlier in the weekend, Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan, who made way for Colapinto at Imola, also had to request that fans cease harassing him and his family.