In a shocking turn of events, F2 championship leader Alex Dunne has been forced to switch off his social media after facing a barrage of abuse following the Monaco Grand Prix. The young Irish driver was bombarded with hateful messages from fans after a first-lap incident in Monaco involving him and Victor Martins.
The backlash on social media was so severe that Dunne decided to remove all social media apps from his phone to protect his mental well-being. The 19-year-old expressed his dismay at the hurtful comments, stating, “I’ve never received such bad messages in my life.”
The FIA, along with F1, F2, and F3, have issued a joint statement condemning online abuse in all forms. This initiative, named United Against Online Abuse, aims to address the toxicity present in social media platforms and protect the athletes and teams from such harmful behavior.
Despite the challenges he faced off the track, Dunne continues to shine on it, leading the Formula 2 championship with two feature race wins and multiple podium finishes. His team boss, Benn Huntingford, praised Dunne’s talent and determination, highlighting his unique approach to racing and his raw speed.
With McLaren backing him as part of their F2 program, Dunne’s future looks promising, with potential FP1 appearances on the horizon. Although there are no immediate openings in the McLaren F1 driver lineup, Dunne’s exceptional skills and natural talent position him as a strong contender for a future in Formula 1.
As Dunne navigates the highs and lows of his racing career, the support from his team and the motorsport community remains unwavering. Despite the online abuse he endured, Dunne’s focus remains on his racing goals, proving that nothing can deter him from his path to success in the world of motorsport.
