Formula One driver Franco Colapinto’s management team has urged supporters to refrain from sending death threats to rival Esteban Ocon and his Haas F1 team following a collision at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Details of the On-Track Incident

During lap 32, Ocon, 29, attempted an overtake on Colapinto at turn 2 to secure the final points position in 10th place. The move misjudged the space, resulting in contact that spun Colapinto off the track shortly after his pit stop. Ocon also rotated but continued, receiving a 10-second time penalty from FIA stewards. He finished 14th, while Colapinto recovered to claim his first point of the season.

Ocon Issues Apology

Ocon took full responsibility immediately 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.”

Ocon personally apologized to Colapinto in the mixed zone, prompting a gracious response from the Argentine on Instagram: “All good mate. Thanks for the apology, see you soon.”

Management Warns Against Abuse

Bullet Sports Management, representing Colapinto, released a statement addressing abusive messages directed at Ocon: “Public Service Announcement: Please do not send hate or death threats to Esteban, his family, or the Haas F1 team. It won’t undo the crash and only reflects poorly on Franco’s fandom. Thank you for keeping the support positive and respectful!”

Pattern of Fan Behavior

Colapinto, 22, previously called for respect after a clash 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, as Alpine’s reserve driver, Colapinto’s fans faced accusations of targeting Jack Doohan with online threats before the Australian secured a seat. Doohan temporarily deactivated his social media amid the harassment.

F1 enforces a zero-tolerance policy on abuse, with teams like Alpine condemning all forms of online harassment.

Race Highlights

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli secured his first F1 victory, followed by teammate George Russell in second. Lewis Hamilton earned his initial Ferrari podium in third place.