Breaking news: FIA chief releases scathing statement on F1….. read more.

FIA chief releases scathing statement on F1….. read more.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a firm statement denouncing the recent wave of online abuse directed at Formula 1 drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto during the latest Grand Prix weekend.

The controversy unfolded during a dramatic qualifying session where both drivers were involved in crashes. Tsunoda suffered a severe accident that saw his car flip and collide heavily with the barriers. Colapinto, meanwhile, also crashed during qualifying, marking a challenging debut weekend as he participated in his first race with Alpine. As a result, Tsunoda and Colapinto were forced to start the race from the back of the grid, in 15th and 20th positions respectively.

However, an earlier incident during practice added fuel to the fire. Tsunoda was seen gesturing toward Colapinto after the Argentine driver appeared to block him on track. This minor on-track moment spiraled into an online storm. A portion of Colapinto’s sizable fan base reacted aggressively, targeting Tsunoda with a wave of hateful comments on social media. Some of the messages reportedly contained racist abuse aimed at the Japanese driver.

Tsunoda addressed the incident publicly, calling the online reaction “unnecessary.” He revealed that the abuse was not limited to him alone, noting that Jack Doohan, the Alpine driver replaced by Colapinto, had also been on the receiving end of similar hostility. Tsunoda expressed concern over how quickly tensions on the track had escalated into unacceptable personal attacks online.

In response, FIA President Ben Sulayem released an official statement expressing solidarity with both Tsunoda and Colapinto. He reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to protecting the wellbeing of all individuals involved in motorsport and emphasized that abuse and hatred have no place in the racing community.

“Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment,” Sulayem stated. “Every driver represents these values on the track. Our shared enthusiasm for the sport should unite us, not lead to hatred or abuse.”

He thanked both drivers for speaking out against online abuse and reiterated the FIA’s stance through its ongoing “United Against Online Abuse” campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness, offer support, and drive change across the sport to combat rising toxicity in digital spaces.

“No one should have to endure threats, discrimination, or hatred,” Sulayem emphasized. “We are actively working to ensure that our community remains a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved.”

The statement marks a strong stance from the sport’s governing body as it confronts the growing issue of online abuse, particularly targeting drivers who are already under immense pressure both on and off the track.

As Formula 1 continues to grow in global popularity, incidents like this highlight the need for greater responsibility among fans and stronger measures to ensure respect and inclusion remain at the forefront of the sport’s values.