Franco Colapinto's dad hits back at British GP trolling in message for 'mediocre' critics

Franco Colapinto's father has blasted back at his son's critics as the Argentine battles to save his Formula 1 career. Colapinto, who only replaced Jack Doohan at Alpine just six rounds into the season, is now under mounting pressure himself after a string of underwhelming performances.

He endured a disastrous weekend at the British Grand Prix, crashing during the first part of qualifying and then starting the race from the pitlane. On a drying track, he didn't even make the start. Following the formation lap, Colapinto was among the drivers to dive into the pits for slick tyres. However, he failed to take the track again due to what the team called a 'driveline' problem. It is unclear whether the car or the driver was at fault for the issue.

Colapinto could be replaced, with Alpine approaching Mercedes over the availability of experienced reserve driver Valtteri Bottas. The Finn, who left Sauber at the end of last year, is eager to get back into a race seat.

He might get the chance at Alpine this season, possibly before the summer break, with two rounds left before F1's annual shutdown in August. Given Colapinto's struggles, he has come in for harsh criticism on social media, prompting his dad, Anibal, to hit back at "mediocre and envious" people.

Colapinto Sr posted on Instagram: "Don't feel bad when someone speaks ill of you. Remember that successful people are criticised by mediocre and envious people."

Adding to Colapinto's frustration, he saw Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly storm to an excellent sixth place at Silverstone. The 22-year-old cut a forlorn figure after the race.

He said: "I was happy with the balance and then I couldn't even start. I'm sad and frustrated for having ended the weekend like this, which had started well compared to Pierre, and I'm a bit sad about how it ended.

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"It was a good race seeing everything that happened: the rain, tyre changes, and all the weather conditions that made the race changeable.

"I think during this weekend I was faster than Pierre and seeing where he is now finishing, maybe we had a good opportunity. We have to keep working focused on what's coming, but it's a shame not being able to even start. It makes me very angry.

"There were many opportunities. I would have loved to be in the race and try something. A bit of frustration for not even being able to start is something no driver wants."

It remains to be seen whether Colapinto will get another chance when the F1 season resumes with the Belgium Grand Prix at Spa from July 25-27.