Alpine’s response to the tidal wave of social media vitriol following Bearman’s crash in Japan
The fallout from Oliver Bearman’s high-speed accident in Japan continues to reverberate throughout the paddock. The violent (and painful) impact against the Suzuka barriers involving the English driver’s Haas has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with drivers and teams alike voicing their frustrations against the FIA and once again scrutinizing current technical regulations.
The controversy stems from a sudden deceleration by Franco Colapinto’s Alpine just before the “Spoon” curve. The car reportedly suffered from severe “super-clipping” (an abrupt exhaustion of electrical energy deployment), which directly compromised Bearman’s safety. Fortunately, Bearman was able to walk away unscathed from the wreckage of his VF-26.
Alpine’s Firm Stance Against Online Hostility
As is often the case in the digital age, the discourse shifted from professional criticism in the paddock to toxic vitriol online. Franco Colapinto became the primary target of unbridled media hate and personal insults.
“Having reviewed the online and social media reactions following the Japanese Grand Prix, the team feels it is our duty to address certain points and questions raised by our fans. We reiterate our absolute condemnation of the hatred and abuse directed not only at one of our drivers but also at our colleagues and other members of the F1 family”.
“The team has already taken a firm stand condemning any behavior of hate, abuse, threats, or online and social media bullying, releasing statements not only to condemn them but also to encourage people to use social media responsibly and follow community guidelines”.
“The team condemns the hate messages directed at Franco after last weekend’s race in Japan, just as it condemns the insults and threats addressed to Esteban Ocon following the collision between the two cars at the Chinese Grand Prix“.
The condemnation of the insults directed at Ocon refers to the unfortunately constant attitude of some Colapinto fans on social media, who seriously threatened the French Haas driver a few weeks ago after the Shanghai race.
““Subsequently, the team also condemns the offensive behavior towards Franco following the accident with Ollie Bearman at Suzuka. First of all, the most important thing is the safety and well-being of the drivers and fortunately Ollie is fine. The FIA has also examined the incident involving Franco and Ollie during the race and deemed that no further action was necessary …”
The statement then concluded as follows: “On the track, our rivals will not stop and will not stand still, and neither will we. We greatly appreciate your continued support, which does not go unnoticed”.
