At Imola, dozens of fans chanted Franco Colapinto’s name as their favorite Formula 1 driver greeted them after finishing 16th, not a Ferrari driver on home soil. Colapinto’s sudden rise in F1 has captivated the attention of fans and media, with Argentina rallying behind him, generating increased interest and TV ratings. The increase in interest has also brought a darker side of tribalism and abuse to the sport, paralleling the toxic online behavior seen in the 2021 Hamilton-Verstappen title fight. As Colapinto made his return as an Alpine driver this year, some fans targeted his rival Jack Doohan with harassment and pressure on social media, culminating in a fabricated Instagram story sparking further abuse. It’s crucial to recognize that such abusive behavior comes from a vocal minority, with many fans showing support and respect for all drivers on the grid.
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