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Colapinto and Tsunoda Condemn Racist Abuse Following Practice Incident

Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda call for fan restraint and respect after online harassment escalates, with Tsunoda urging Formula 1 to intervene if needed.

Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy.
Formula One F1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 17, 2025 Alpine's Franco Colapinto during practice REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
Franco Colapinto of Argentina and Alpine F1 arrives in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy.
Formula One F1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 17, 2025 Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda during practice REUTERS/Florion Goga

Overview

  • An on-track incident during Friday practice at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix saw Alpine's Franco Colapinto block Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, prompting frustration from Tsunoda.
  • Following the incident, Tsunoda faced a wave of racist and abusive messages on social media, many in Spanish, from Colapinto's supporters.
  • Colapinto publicly urged his fans to show respect and avoid hateful behavior, emphasizing the need for civility toward all drivers.
  • Tsunoda acknowledged fan enthusiasm but stressed the importance of boundaries, suggesting Formula 1 should step in if the abuse continues or worsens.
  • This incident highlights ongoing concerns about toxic online behavior in Formula 1's fan culture, with Colapinto's manager previously addressing similar issues related to Jack Doohan.