Franco Colapinto fan abuse controversy

Alpine boss Flavio Briatore has threatened to impose a media blackout on driver Franco Colapinto following fallout from an incident that triggered abuse and threats directed at the young driver online. Briatore's comments frame the boycott as a protective response to what he considers outrageous treatment of Colapinto by fans and media alike. Separately, an F1 driver has spoken publicly about the "disturbing" nature of online abuse in the sport, referencing the Colapinto episode as an example of the problem.