Will Buxton criticizes F1 drivers for silence on fan hate

Formula 1 commentator Will Buxton has stated that racing drivers are “complicit” if they fail to address online hate spread by their own fanbases. Speaking on the “Up To Speed” podcast, Buxton argued that public figures, particularly athletes, have a responsibility to denounce toxic rhetoric used by their supporters against other drivers or public figures on social media.

The comments follow a wave of online abuse directed at McLaren driver Lando Norris by fans of Franco Colapinto following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The tension arose after a multi-car incident during a safety car restart in Baku, involving Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Norris, which resulted in all three drivers retiring from the race.

Immediately after the race, Norris suggested that some drivers “do not belong in F1” and that Colapinto should face a race ban. Although Norris later issued an apology, he had already been subjected to significant online harassment. While it was noted that Colapinto had previously distanced himself from offensive comments, Buxton suggested that such responses must be sufficiently firm and consistent to address the recurring nature of the issue.