Alpine F1: Attacks on social networks cannot be justified

      Franco Colapinto's return to Formula 1 is attracting more and more attention, but for reasons far removed from sports. We told you that the unrestrained Argentine fans made insulting remarks about Yuki Tsunoda, and the FIA president had to intervene in the situation.

      But in parallel, another story was unfolding, it is also related to Colapinto, and Alpine F1 had to respond to it. The bottom line is that several publications that write about Formula 1 in one way or another reproduced on their pages a fake that was allegedly distributed on social networks by Mick Duane, Jack Duane's father, whose place in the team was taken by the Argentine racer.

      It was a screenshot taken during the broadcast of qualifying in Imola, which showed the Alpine car being smashed by Colapinto at the end of the first session. Laughing emojis and a two-word comment were added to the picture: "Very impressive."

      Initially, all this appeared on the pages of a certain account of an obviously parodic nature, but it quickly spread online, including various Australian and Argentine publications. However, after Jack Duane condemned such publications, its authors apologized and admitted that it was fake, but it was too late.

      "It immediately becomes clear that this story, which is spreading on social media, is an outright fake," Jack commented, also via social media. – It was fabricated by the Argentine fans trying to portray me and my family in a negative light.

      They edited the original content so that it looked like a post made by my father, which is completely untrue.

      Please stop attacking my family!.."

      The racer further explained that the source of the publication was not an Argentine one, but numerous Argentine publications falsely attributed it to his father, Mick Duane, which caused a wave of attacks on his family.

      As a result, the Renault factory team had to react to what was happening. Here is the full text of her statement:

      "We, the Formula 1 team, believe that we are lucky to be part of a global sport that evokes passion and strong emotions; the community of fans is constantly growing, and they enthusiastically follow every action of their favorite drivers, whether Whether it's a bold overtaking move on the track or the flamboyant style they choose when appearing in the paddock.

      We urge everyone to: don't forget that under the visors of the helmets of these athletes, endowed with superhuman qualities, there are just people hiding. Everyone has their own experiences, family, friends and loved ones. There can be no excuse for attacks on social media, and we urge all fans to behave kindly and respectfully."