What happened in the final turns of the Spanish Grand Prix was not limited to a radio discussion between two teammates. After the situation involving Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly in Madrid, the tension moved to social media, where the Frenchman claimed to have received threats and attacks directed at people in his circle.
The on-track incident that sparked the controversy occurred when the Argentine caught up to his teammate in the final stretch of the race. Gasly had more worn tires and still needed to make a pit stop, while Oscar Piastri was closing in from behind Colapinto. From Alpine, they warned the Frenchman that the Buenos Aires driver was getting closer, but he decided to maintain his position, which led to Colapinto's complaint over the radio.
Ultimately, Gasly entered the pits at the end of that lap, and the Argentine managed to finish the race in seventh place, ahead of Piastri. Days later, already in Baku, both downplayed the conflict and agreed that the situation was analyzed internally by the team.
Gasly, critical of the attacks on social media
However, the controversy continued off the track. Gasly reported that he received aggressive messages after the race. "The magnitude of the threats and attacks seems completely inappropriate to me, especially when it affects members of my family. I don't think that should happen", expressed the Frenchman.
In that same vein, the Alpine driver questioned the behavior of some fans. "You can like or dislike, that seems totally fine to me, but there is a certain line that should not be crossed just because you are behind a screen and a keyboard, and those lines are being crossed too many times", he stated.
Gasly also emphasized that, as a professional driver, he understands that he is exposed to criticism, but he considered that attacks on family members exceed any sports discussion. Furthermore, he called for Formula 1 to work towards creating a healthier environment among fans.
Colapinto's support
Regarding this situation, the Argentine defended his teammate and rejected the attacks he received after the race. "I believe many people sent him messages. It's never pleasant to receive them, especially when it happens to the team I compete for", he assured.
Additionally, the native of Pilar highlighted that they both maintain a good relationship despite the Madrid episode and that they work towards the same goal. "We are teammates and get along very well. We aim and focus on the same result, we have the same objective and the same goal: to make Alpine better. We always work as a team, and it's not pleasant to see it", he maintained.
When Colapinto returns to race
After his brilliant performance on Spanish soil, the Argentine will now travel to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Due to the fact that Sunday, September 27, is Memorial Day in that country, in memory of those who fell during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the action will be moved up 24 hours: the competition will start on Thursday, September 24, with the first free practices and will conclude on Saturday, September 26, with the main race.
