The Formula 1 world was shaken by the recent abuse faced by drivers during the Imola Grand Prix weekend. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem took a stand against the mistreatment suffered by Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, condemning the online abuse that marred the event.
Tsunoda’s terrifying crash during qualifying at the Imola circuit was just the beginning of the ordeal. The young driver faced a wave of vile remarks on social media after an incident with Colapinto on the track. The backlash, including racist comments, highlighted the toxic side of fan culture in motorsport.
In response to the disturbing abuse, Tsunoda and Colapinto spoke out, with Ben Sulayem echoing their sentiments in an official statement on behalf of the FIA. The president emphasized the values of competition, passion, and commitment in motorsport, denouncing any form of hate or abuse directed at drivers.
The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign aims to raise awareness, provide support, and drive change in the face of online harassment. Ben Sulayem reiterated the commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of everyone in the sport and creating a safer and more respectful environment for all involved.
The incident at Imola serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in the digital age, where online abuse can have real-world consequences. The FIA’s strong stance against such behavior sends a clear message that toxicity has no place in the motorsport community.
