Alpine has denied claims that it sabotaged its second driver Franco Colapinto’s car, saying deliberate self-sabotage would contradict the team's interest in scoring points.
The allegations, amplified on social media by mostly Argentinian fans, followed a specification difference at the Chinese Grand Prix after Franco Colapinto finished 10th in Shanghai, 49 seconds behind Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly due in part to a collision with Esteban Ocon, an Alpine driver.
In an open letter published Thursday, Alpine said both Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto have run the same equipment aside from small low-performance parts in China caused by a gearbox-component switch, and the team called online abuse of Colapinto unacceptable.
Alpine also referenced online harassment following the Japanese Grand Prix incident that led to a 50G crash for Oliver Bearman, a Haas driver, and noted earlier death threats directed at Esteban Ocon, urging fans to behave responsibly.
Read the full article at motorsport.com.
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