Doohan asks fans to stop harassing his family as Alpine issues statement on online abuse

Jack Doohan has asked Formula 1 fans to "stop harassing" his family, while his Alpine team have issued a statement condemning "online abuse".

Doohan was dropped by Alpine ahead of last weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and replaced by Franco Colapinto. The Australian has since been subjected to online abuse, which he initially believed was largely coming from Argentine driver Colapinto's fanbase.

Doohan's Statement

Doohan posted two examples of social media posts that he said contained false information and portrayed him and his family in a "negative light".

On Instagram, Doohan wrote:

"As you can clearly see, the story circulating above is completely false. "It was fabricated by Argentine fans attempting to portray me and my family in a negative light. "They edited the original content to make it appear as though my father posted it, which is entirely untrue. "Please stop harassing my family. I didn't think I would have to get to this point."

He later issued a correction:

"The source is not Argentine. However multiple Argentine outlets falsely reported the fabricated image which triggered the online abuse on my family."

Tsunoda Also Experienced Abuse

Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda also suffered online abuse during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after being involved in a minor incident with Colapinto during first practice. Tsunoda made a hand gesture in frustration.

Asked about the abuse, Tsunoda said:

"I heard about it but, to be honest, I guess it's not just about me if I heard correctly. "They're going everywhere, to be honest, and then they're going for Jack (Doohan). Jack didn't do anything wrong and they're going for it, so that's a bit unnecessary. "It's normal that you get frustrated if you have traffic... I think I have the right to say something, but I didn't say something wrong or a very bad thing. I just show the frustration and that's it. "I know they are supporting their own country's driver, but there's always a line that they can say something, I guess. "I'm saying this not because of me or not what they say to me, but they said too much things to Doohan and I don't think he was driving in a comfortable way. "It's good that they have energy, but just control it."

Colapinto Calls for Respect

Speaking at Imola, Colapinto also urged his fans to "keep it respectful" on social media.

"I know they are extremely passionate, and they are always very harsh on people. They have to give respect, and that's what we all want."

Alpine's Statement

Following Doohan and Tsunoda's complaints, Alpine released a statement urging fans to be "kind and respectful".

"As an F1 team, we believe we are fortunate to be part of a global sport that evokes great passion and emotions... 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 Condemns Abuse

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also issued a statement condemning the abuse Tsunoda had received.

"Motorsport is built on competition, passion, commitment... The 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. "No one should be subjected to threats, hatred or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community. "Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, we are taking decisive action... We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all."