F1 commentator lashes out at fans: 'I see people talking crap'

Emotions often ran high among F1 fans last season. The exciting title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton caused a lot of controversy after several incidents and collisions. Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov is disappointed with the reactions of fans.

The most violent example is Nicholas Latifi's crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Canadian received death threats after the season finale, as his crash ultimately determined the title. Popov even describes the online F1 community as 'scary'.

"I am very disappointed with the way Formula 1 fans react to news nowadays", he says in an interview with Championat.com. The Russian himself has a YouTube channel with many followers and notices that fans twist stories and leave unkind things in the comments.

'People are talking nonsense'

Popov compares the sport to football because he thought F1 was different. "I was very happy and proud that we have much more intelligent fans who respect each other. Respectful of the drivers they cheer for, but also of the other drivers and their teams. This year, sometimes it was just scary: I see people talking crap about each other."

The online reactions have made the Russian think. For example, he wonders if the sport needs more popularity when it carries such a level. Fans scold each other and have nothing positive to say about other drivers. He therefore hopes that next season won't be as bad.