JUST IN:FIA President Denounces Abuse Directed at…read more
- FIA President Denounces Abuse Directed at…read more
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly spoken out against the mistreatment and abuse faced by Formula 1 drivers during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend in Imola, Italy. In a strong statement shared on social media, Ben Sulayem expressed deep concern over the negative and, at times, hostile reactions from parts of the online community and beyond, which were directed at drivers following events that unfolded during the race weekend.
The spotlight on driver welfare came into sharp focus following a major incident involving Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver, who races for RB (Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team), was involved in a terrifying crash during the qualifying session at the Imola circuit. While navigating the notorious Tamburello corner, Tsunoda lost control of his car, which spun out and ultimately flipped over. Thankfully, he escaped the crash unscathed, but the incident sparked a wave of online commentary—some of which crossed the line into abuse.
This situation prompted the FIA president to step forward and emphasize the importance of showing respect and support for the drivers, especially in the wake of difficult or dangerous situations. Ben Sulayem underscored that such attacks not only harm the individuals involved but also damage the integrity and spirit of the sport as a whole.
In his Instagram post, Ben Sulayem did not name specific individuals, but the timing and context of his message made it clear that the Imola weekend was the catalyst. He called on fans, media, and all stakeholders in the sport to consider the human side of F1, reminding them that drivers take significant risks every time they step into a race car. He further noted that criticism is part of professional sports, but it must never devolve into personal abuse or hatred.
“Abuse has no place in our sport,” Ben Sulayem wrote. “We must protect our drivers and ensure they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.” He added that the FIA is closely monitoring the situation and is willing to work with teams, drivers, and digital platforms to combat toxic behavior in the motorsport community.
The president’s comments reflect growing concern within the F1 world about the emotional toll such abuse can take on drivers. The pressures of competing at the highest level of motorsport are already immense, and the addition of unwarranted personal attacks can significantly impact mental health and performance. Several drivers in recent years have spoken out about the emotional strain caused by hostile online comments, with some even reducing their social media presence to protect their wellbeing.
The FIA’s statement also signals that motorsport’s governing body is taking a firmer stance on promoting a safe and respectful environment for all participants. This includes not only enforcing physical safety standards on the track but also fostering a supportive culture off it. As Formula 1 continues to grow in global popularity, the FIA aims to ensure that the values of sportsmanship, fairness, and mutual respect are upheld.
Yuki Tsunoda, while shaken by the crash, returned to the paddock and resumed his duties with resilience. Though he has not made any direct public comments about receiving abuse, the community around him—including his team and fans—have expressed concern about the backlash he may have faced.
Ultimately, Ben Sulayem’s intervention is a reminder that while Formula 1 is a sport of high speed and fierce competition, it is also built on a foundation of mutual respect and human decency. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the FIA and the wider F1 community respond to this call for greater accountability and compassion.
