Urgent 'death threats' plea issued after Chinese GP crash

The management company that supports Franco Colapinto has urged F1 fans against issuing death threats to Esteban Ocon following the Chinese Grand Prix.

Colapinto made his sole pit stop of the race from Shanghai on lap 32 as he ditched the hard compound for medium tyres.

However as he emerged from the pit lane, he found himself wheel-to-wheel with Esteban Ocon, resuming a battle that was occurring prior to their pit stops.

As the pair rounded Turn 2, Ocon attempted to slip up the inside of Colapinto but struck the Alpine car, sending both into a spin.

Ocon accepted blame for the incident and was issued a 10-second time penalty by the stewards, which he served during a second pit stop.

Colapinto went on to bag a point in 10th place, marking his first score since the 2024 US Grand Prix.

Shortly after the race, Colapinto's associates from Bullet Sports Management took to social media, where they urged fans not to send abuse to Ocon.

Their message read: “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!”

While Colapinto bagged points, Ocon was left to settle for 14th place, one lap off the lead lap.