Esteban Ocon apologised to Franco Colapinto after a lap 32 clash at Turn 2 during the Chinese Grand Prix. The Haas driver received a 10-second penalty for causing the incident and finished 14th, while Colapinto recovered to 10th for a points finish. Colapinto's management asked fans to avoid sending death threats on social media.
The incident occurred on lap 32 as Ocon attempted an inside move on Colapinto's Alpine at Turn 2. Colapinto, on the racing line, clipped Ocon's Haas front wing, sending both cars spinning. Colapinto regained positions, overtaking Arvid Lindblad's Racing Bulls for 11th before Max Verstappen's retirement elevated him to 10th and the final championship point. Ocon served his penalty with a second pitstop, dropping to 14th overall after admitting the move was overly optimistic and that he deserved the sanction from stewards for causing the collision. He approached Colapinto personally to apologise before media duties, stating: “I was fighting with Franco the whole race, so that's clearly my fault on that last incident. I was a bit over-optimistic and the gap was not really there.” Colapinto noted: “I didn't see the replay, he just hit me on the rear right and broke my car. It is what it is and he apologised and it's all good, but of course really annoying to have lost a few points for that.” Both drivers started 12th and 13th on Pirelli hard tyres, making strong openings aided by absent McLarens. A safety car on lap 9, triggered by Lance Stroll's Aston Martin stopping at Turn 2, helped their track position but allowed rivals cheaper stops. Ocon pitted earlier and chased Colapinto post-pitlane. Colapinto's agency, Bullet Sports Management, issued a statement: “Public service announcement: please do not send hateful messages or death threats to Esteban, his family, or the Haas team. It will not change the incident and only reflects poorly on Franco’s fandom. Thank you for maintaining positive and respectful support.”
