Formula 1: Alpine driver Franco Colapinto victim of an “unjustified flood of criticism and hatred”

The tragedy was narrowly avoided. Last Sunday, the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix was the scene of the first accident of the season. An accident ultimately, and fortunately, more spectacular than dangerous.

Wanting to avoid the Alpine of Argentinian Franco Colapinto, which was in front of him but which was traveling significantly slower – around 100 km/h less according to certain data – the young British driver Oliver Bearman, clocked at that time at 262 km/h, violently crashed his car into a safety barrier.

Although his car was badly damaged, Bearman ultimately – and miraculously – escaped with a bruised knee. He assured in a press release that he was “perfectly well”.

But he also noted that “the very big difference in speed resulted in part from the new rules” on 50% electric, 50% thermal engines and the appearance of the “boost” button which brings a boost in electric power. Therefore clearing Colapinto of responsibility for the accident.

However, since this weekend, the young Argentine driver, affected by this episode, has been the victim of a wave of insults on social networks, some accusing him of having wanted to prevent the Briton from passing in front of him while others question his inconsistent and dangerous driving.

A situation which pushed his Bullet Sports Management team to react and appeal for calm.

“Franco made no mistake”

“We cannot ignore the incident that led to Ollie Bearman’s accident, in which Franco was not at fault,” the agency said in a statement on social media. This was a consequence of the new energy management, which was confirmed by an FIA press release. Despite this, Franco has received an unwarranted flood of criticism and hatred, so let’s instead show him the support he deserves. »

Due to the conflict in the Middle East, which caused the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the next stop of the circuit is scheduled in a month – on May 3 – in Miami.