Formula One driver Franco Colapinto’s management has urged supporters to refrain from sending death threats to rival Esteban Ocon following their on-track collision at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Collision Incident
During lap 32 of the race, Haas driver Esteban Ocon, 29, attempted to overtake Colapinto for 10th place. Ocon misjudged the move, making contact that sent both drivers spinning. Colapinto, fresh from the pit lane, recovered to secure the final points position and his first point of the season. Ocon received a 10-second time penalty from the FIA and finished 14th.
Ocon’s Apology
Ocon issued an immediate public apology after the race, stating: “First of all very sorry to Franco, I take full responsibility for that one and I’m happy that he managed to score points as he drove a great race. Many things to review after today. We had a great start to the race, but we were unlucky with the timing of the safety car which compromised our strategy. We’ll keep pushing and I know the results will come our way.”
He also apologized directly to Colapinto in the mixed zone. Colapinto responded positively on Instagram: “All good mate. Thanks for the apology, see you soon.”
Management’s Strong Warning
Bullet Sports Management, representing Colapinto, released a statement addressing abusive messages directed at Ocon, his family, and the Haas team. “Public Service Announcement: Please do not send hate or death threats to Esteban, his family, or the Haas F1 team,” the agency declared. “It won’t undo the crash and only reflects poorly on Franco’s fandom. Thank you for keeping the support positive and respectful!”
History of Fan Abuse
Colapinto, 22, has previously called on fans to show respect to fellow drivers. After a crash with Yuki Tsunoda at last season’s Imola Grand Prix, he told reporters: “I know they are extremely passionate, and they are always very harsh on people. They have to give respect, and that’s what we all want. There is a lot of hate on social media … So of course we always try and want, for all the drivers, to keep it respectful and keep it calm there.”
Earlier in the 2025 season, while serving as Alpine’s reserve driver and passed over for a seat in favor of Jack Doohan, Colapinto’s fans faced accusations of harassing the Australian with online threats. Doohan temporarily deactivated his social media accounts amid the abuse. Formula One enforces a zero-tolerance policy on abuse, and teams like Alpine strongly oppose such behavior.
Race Highlights
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed his first F1 victory, with teammate George Russell in second. Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari in third place.
