Alpine dismiss Franco Colapinto car sabotage claims amid online abuse
Alpine have published an open letter strongly dismissing claims that Franco Colapinto’s car has been sabotaged while condemning online abuse directed at several drivers.
The Formula 1 team released the statement following a wave of social media speculation from Argentinian supporters.
Fans had alleged there was a deliberate discrepancy in vehicle specification between the young South American and his team-mate Pierre Gasly during last month’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Equipment equality confirmed
The French outfit clarified that both drivers operate with identical machinery, forcefully denying any internal conspiracy.
Management acknowledged a minor variance in China due to gearbox component changes, but insisted it had no significant performance impact.
The rookie secured his only point of the 2026 season so far with a 10th-place finish in Shanghai, ending up 49 seconds adrift of seventh-placed Gasly.
“Any questions about sabotage or not giving Franco the same car are completely unfounded, which is why the team felt the need to speak out.”
Team commitment and future upgrades
The public letter reaffirmed the constructor’s trust in their driver, stressing his equal footing alongside his more experienced French colleague.
Alpine emphasised that self-sabotage would entirely contradict their ultimate goal of maximising points in the constructors’ championship.
The Enstone-based squad currently boast the fourth-fastest package on the grid and are determined to maintain their strong early-season form.
“There might be times this year when pushing in the development race that upgrades come to one car first, which the team will communicate and be completely transparent about.”
Condemning social media hostility
The statement also tackled the wider issue of internet hostility, referencing recent incidents involving the Argentine racer.
This included the fallout from his unfortunate involvement in Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash at Suzuka.
Furthermore, the team strongly condemned the subsequent online abuse directed at Haas driver Esteban Ocon following a separate on-track collision in China.
The former Alpine driver immediately accepted full responsibility for that clash and personally apologised to Colapinto in the media pen.
