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Online abuse and targeting of officials in Formula 1
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2026-08-26 05:14 UTC → 2026-09-03 09:13 UTC ·
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Online abuse and targeting of officials in Formula 1
Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto has highlighted the rising issue of online abuse and hate speech within the sport, noting that social media growth has increased harassment toward drivers and staff. Colapinto suggested that while athletes must set boundaries, they also bear some responsibility for fueling tensions through impulsive media comments. This issue escalated following the Dutch Grand Prix, where race stewards issued drive-through penalties to Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad for overtaking under double waved yellow flags. The penalties, which Colapinto described the sanctions as “extremely harsh,” led to public criticism of officials a sentiment echoed by fans. The situation intensified after Sean Summers, a sponsor marketing director. director for Colapinto’s sponsor Mercado Libre, publicly questioned the integrity and competence of officials on social media. This criticism triggered a wave of personal attacks and threats against FIA officials, prompting officials and the Alpine team. In response, the FIA to reaffirm reaffirmed its ‘United Against Online Abuse’ initiative and state initiative, stating that while disagreement with decisions is part of sport, “threats and personal attacks are unacceptable.” Alpine has since expressed confidence in the stewards, noting that penalties were applied consistently with the rules. Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a renewed appeal to end the abuse, emphasizing that the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ campaign—a global initiative endorsed by over 75 governments and organizations—remains committed to addressing such behavior.
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- 2026-09-03 09:13 UTC Online abuse and targeting of officials in Formula 1
- 2026-08-26 05:14 UTC Online abuse in Formula 1
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