Colapinto urges fans not to attack other drivers and team members online

Franco Colapinto has asked fans not to attack other drivers or members of his team online. In a video on his personal Instagram, he said it was time to take a step back from social media and ongoing criticism so he could focus on his Formula 1 career and work with the team.

Colapinto said he was frustrated that he and the team were making no progress. He said fans sometimes criticised and attacked other drivers, his teammates, mechanics and engineers rather than supporting him.

He thanked fans for their support and advice, but questioned whether fans who attacked others were defending him or doing the opposite. Colapinto said he wanted to improve his performances and reach goals that could help him in 2027.

The appeal follows the online abuse Lando Norris received after the Baku incident between him and Colapinto. Norris had called for a race ban for unsporting behaviour after the race, then received a wave of hate messages on social media.

Colapinto said he would keep giving his all and fighting in races, while also supporting his team.