FIA president speaks out against raging online abuse towards drivers
Updated: 23:15, 19 May 2025
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Savannah Lenz is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with a broad interest in motorsport. With experience in content creation and journalism, she delivers accessible and reliable coverage for a global F1 audience.
After an influx of hate towards Formula 1 drivers, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke up about unrest in the sport.
Over the past few days, many drivers have also chosen to speak up against the online abuse towards drivers.
Ben Sulayem posts a statement
Yuki Tsunoda spoke up about the hate he had been receiving after making a gesture toward Franco Colapinto during a practice session.
A few days later, Colapinto also discussed the online abuse and how every driver deserved to be respected.
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Now, Ben Sulayem has posted a statement on his social media account. His statement comes only a few hours after Jack Doohan pleaded with fans to stop harassing his family.
Ben Sulayem posted: "Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and every race, drivers take to the track representing these values. The passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hate."
"I stand in full support of Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against the growing issue of online abuse in motorsport. No one should be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community."
"Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, we are taking decisive action — raising awareness, providing support, and driving change. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all."
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His caption read, "No one should ever be subjected to abuse - driver, fan, volunteer or official. Our sport must join together in rejection of this behaviour. I thank @yukitsunoda0511 and @francocolapinto for speaking out this weekend against this issue, and share my support and that of the United Against Online Abuse campaign."
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