After the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix held on June 1 in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton extended an invitation to fellow driver Franco Colapinto to join him on a private jet trip to England. F1 journalist Diego Zorrero reported that Hamilton sent a message in the drivers‘ WhatsApp group asking if anyone was traveling to England, and when Colapinto responded affirmatively, Hamilton offered to let him cancel his commercial flight and fly with him instead.
The Spanish GP weekend concluded with Oscar Piastri taking first place, solidifying his lead in the championship. Lando Norris finished second, and Charles Leclerc took the third spot on the podium. Meanwhile, Hamilton struggled, ending the race in sixth position after being overtaken by Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.
Following the race, Hamilton returned to England and extended the offer to his peers for a ride. Zorrero shared in a Posicion 1 TV YouTube video that Hamilton reached out to his colleagues to see if their route to England matched his own. When Colapinto confirmed he had a 6 p.m. flight, Hamilton urged him to cancel it and come aboard his plane.
“After the race in Spain, Lewis asked in the drivers’ WhatsApp group if someone is travelling to England, and Franco replied, ‘Yes, I am! I have a flight at 6pm,” and Lewis told him, “Cancel it, come with me!” and he invited him to his plane,” Zorrero said.
Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan at Alpine starting from the Imola Grand Prix, did not have a strong outing in Barcelona either, finishing 15th. He has yet to score points in his last four races since joining Alpine. Reports suggest Alpine may limit his opportunities this season, reviewing his performance after his fifth race since Imola.
Background on Franco Colapinto’s Recent Challenges
Since taking over from Doohan, Colapinto has faced difficulties in the Formula 1 season, struggling to find form and results. His recent string of no-points finishes has put pressure on him within the Alpine team, highlighting his need to improve shortly. This struggle on the track contrasts sharply with the generosity Hamilton showed in inviting him on a private jet, signaling camaraderie despite competitive challenges.
Lewis Hamilton Supports Yuki Tsunoda Amid Online Abuse Linked to Colapinto Incident
Tensions also arose during the 2025 Imola GP when Franco Colapinto inadvertently blocked Yuki Tsunoda during the FP1 session, leading the latter to respond with a frustrated finger gesture. This incident sparked a wave of negativity from Argentine fans directed at Tsunoda’s social media accounts. Hamilton, known for standing firmly against discrimination and abuse, publicly supported Tsunoda in response to the harassment.
Speaking to F1TV, Hamilton said:
“There is no place for abuse, particularly racial abuse. I think it’s just that we have to continue to work on standing firm and standing up against those things. I hope that Yuki and I hope they’re both okay because I know it affects not only you but also your family. It’s, I don’t know, I think people need, we need more empathy in the world today. It’s such a cruel space, you know; there’s so much negativity around.”
Following Hamilton’s statement, Franco Colapinto himself called on his supporters to stop spreading hate and negativity toward any driver, emphasizing the need for respect within the sport.
Implications for Hamilton and Colapinto Moving Forward
Lewis Hamilton’s invitation to Franco Colapinto to travel on his private jet not only demonstrates goodwill but also highlights a sense of solidarity among drivers during a competitive and stressful F1 season. For Colapinto, whose performance remains under scrutiny by Alpine, such gestures may provide essential support amid pressure.
The ongoing tensions stemming from the Imola incident and resulting social media backlash showcase the emotional and sometimes toxic environment within F1 fandom. Hamilton’s vocal stance against abuse underscores his role as an advocate for empathy and respect in the sport.
As the 2025 season progresses, both Hamilton and Colapinto will continue to navigate not just their on-track battles but also off-track dynamics, shaping their careers and reputations amid these challenges.