News Summary
- Flavio Briatore has issued a direct warning to Argentine fans following online attacks against Pierre Gasly and his family.
- The Alpine executive adviser says Franco Colapinto could stop speaking to Argentine television if the abuse continues.
- Colapinto has defended Gasly and urged his supporters to behave respectfully after their Spanish GP controversy.
Flavio Briatore has warned that Franco Colapinto could stop speaking to Argentine television and other media outlets unless abusive behaviour from sections of his fanbase ends.
The Alpine executive adviser intervened after Pierre Gasly revealed that he, his girlfriend and members of his family had received threats following the Spanish GP in Madrid. The attacks were connected to a late-race incident involving Gasly and Colapinto.
“If this continues, the moment will come when Franco stops speaking to Argentine television,” Briatore told ESPN Argentina. “He will stop speaking to everyone.”
The Italian addressed Colapinto’s supporters directly, making clear that Alpine considers the abuse damaging to the driver rather than helpful.
“I’m saying this especially to the Argentines because there are no problems with the Italians or anyone else,” he continued. “If they want to support Franco, they must do it in a respectful and loyal way—not like what I see on social media.”
Briatore’s warning represents Alpine’s strongest response yet to the controversy. Colapinto has already publicly supported Gasly, saying the abuse directed at his teammate was unacceptable and calling on those responsible to stop.
⚠️ NEW: How Colapinto fan abuse escalated from online attacks to threats against Gasly’s family
Spanish GP incident triggers threats against Gasly
The dispute began during the closing stages of the Spanish GP. Colapinto caught Gasly while the Frenchman was running on older tyres and preparing to make a late pit stop.
Alpine informed Gasly that his teammate was approaching, but the team did not issue a formal instruction ordering him to surrender the position. Colapinto became frustrated over the radio as the delay left him exposed to Oscar Piastri behind.
The matter was subsequently discussed internally by Colapinto, Gasly, Briatore and managing director Steve Nielsen. Both drivers indicated in Baku that Alpine had resolved the sporting disagreement.
The online reaction continued, however. Gasly said the attacks extended beyond criticism of his driving and reached his relatives and girlfriend, Francisca Gomes.
“There were threats towards my family and my girlfriend,” Gasly said. “There is a line that should never be crossed, and it was crossed.”
Colapinto then defended Gasly and asked for the online abuse to stop, stressing that no on-track disagreement could justify personal threats.
Briatore says abuse is harming Colapinto
Briatore’s intervention shifts the consequences towards Colapinto and the Argentine media. The threat is designed to make clear that continued attacks could reduce the access given to the country where the Alpine driver has developed an enormous following.
It is also not the first time abusive messages associated with Colapinto’s fanbase have created difficulties around Alpine. The team previously condemned attacks against Jack Doohan and rejected allegations that one driver was deliberately receiving inferior treatment.
Colapinto’s representatives have also warned supporters that abuse directed at teammates or team personnel damages the Argentine’s position inside Formula 1.
Briatore has now attached a tangible consequence to that warning: if the attacks persist, Colapinto’s media appearances could be restricted.
Gasly and Colapinto will remain teammates in 2027. The Argentine has already secured his place with Alpine, while Briatore has repeatedly described Gasly as one of the strongest drivers on the grid.
Formula 1 begins track activity at the Azerbaijan GP on Thursday with FP1 at 09:30 UK and 04:30 ET.
F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
What did Flavio Briatore say about Franco Colapinto’s fans?
Briatore warned Argentine supporters to behave respectfully and said Colapinto could stop speaking to Argentine television and other media if the abuse continues.
