In the ever-dynamic world of Formula 1, where rumours and speculation are as common as overtakes on the track, one recent story has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. The buzz surrounding a potential partnership between OnlyFans and Alpine F1 as the team’s new title sponsor for 2024 sent shockwaves through the F1 community. However, it turns out that this eye-catching story was nothing more than a well-crafted hoax.
The Origins of the Rumour
The rumour first gained traction on July 31st, when a post appeared on X (formerly Twitter) from a verified account claiming to belong to Matthew J. Thompson, a supposed freelance journalist with a focus on Formula 1. According to this account, OnlyFans was set to replace BWT as Alpine’s title sponsor for the 2024 season—a move that would have marked one of the most surprising sponsorship deals in recent memory.
However, as the story began to spread across social media and various online forums, it quickly became apparent that something was amiss. For starters, there is no known Formula 1 journalist by the name of Matthew J. Thompson. Despite the account’s verification status and its 17,000 followers, it turned out to be a fake, run by an unknown individual who occasionally puts out outrageous F1 rumours.
The Hoax Unravelled
As more people in the F1 community began to question the legitimacy of the report, it became clear that this was just another in a series of fabricated stories. The “Matthew J. Thompson” account has a history of stirring the pot with unfounded claims, but this particular rumour managed to gain more traction than usual, likely due to the surprising nature of the proposed partnership.
The idea of OnlyFans, a platform largely associated with adult content, stepping into the world of Formula 1 as a title sponsor was certainly headline-grabbing. However, as enticing as the story was, it was ultimately debunked by reputable sources within the F1 community. No official announcement from Alpine or OnlyFans ever materialised, and the rumour was put to rest as yet another example of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age.
Reflecting on the Impact
While the rumour has since been dismissed, it does highlight the growing influence of social media on the Formula 1 narrative. With platforms like X enabling anyone to spread news—true or false—it’s becoming increasingly challenging for fans to discern fact from fiction. The hoax also serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking, especially when it comes to stories that seem too sensational to be true.
For Alpine, the incident has had no lasting impact, and BWT remains the team’s title sponsor as they continue to focus on their ambitions for the 2024 season. Meanwhile, the fake “Matthew J. Thompson” account continues to operate, albeit with a reputation that is now widely recognised as unreliable.