Arrow McLaren Ends Partnership with Juncos Hollinger Racing

Arrow McLaren has decided to end its commercial alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing immediately. The breakup is due to a controversy that arose on social media after an on-track incident between Arrow McLaren rookie Theo Pourchaire and Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Agustin Canapino during the Detroit Grand Prix.

The incident occurred on lap 60 in turn 3, triggering a series of abusive comments online directed at Pourchaire. This is not the first time a Juncos Hollinger Racing driver has been involved in such controversies. Last year, Callum Ilott, Canapino's former teammate, also faced similar criticism after crashes at Long Beach and Laguna Seca.

Ilott and Juncos Hollinger Racing parted ways at the end of last season, with Ilott committing to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) while sharing time with Pourchaire in the #6 IndyCar, including participation in the Indianapolis 500.

Both organizations issued a joint statement condemning the threats. Shortly after, Canapino's social media account 'liked' a post by Argentine driver Martin Ponte, who made a controversial reference to Pourchaire. Although the 'like' was removed, Canapino received multiple supportive responses.

On Tuesday morning, Canapino issued a statement rejecting the accusations against his Argentine fans, defending their passion and denying negative generalizations. "I am against abuse and hate. Argentinians are passionate and euphoric, but we should not be generalized negatively. Our death threats should not be taken lightly and we strongly condemn any such act. I invite everyone to base their actions on respect and tolerance to become better as a society," Canapino stated.

Finally, on Thursday morning, Arrow McLaren officially announced the end of the alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Arrow McLaren's statement emphasized their policy of not tolerating any form of abuse or discrimination, fully condemning the online attacks directed at their team and driver. "Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has terminated its commercial alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing, effective immediately. This decision follows actions that occurred earlier this week on social media in regards to an on-track incident at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. As reflected in the team's social media community code, Arrow McLaren will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination and totally condemns the online abuse directed toward our team and driver," the official statement from Arrow McLaren read.

Juncos Hollinger Racing responded with a message of respect towards Arrow McLaren, thanking them for the time shared during the months of the alliance. "As of today, Juncos Hollinger Racing announces the end of the strategic partnership with Arrow McLaren. We appreciate the time shared during these months."

Impact of Canapino's Statements:

Canapino's words and actions on social media, combined with the response from his followers, seemed to play a role in Arrow McLaren's decision to end the alliance. The controversy that arose after the on-track incident and Canapino's subsequent social media interaction intensified the situation. Arrow McLaren, emphasizing their policy against abuse and discrimination, deemed it necessary to act to protect their image and that of their drivers.