Just In: FIA Issues Strong Statement as F1 Driver Shut Down H…read more
FIA Issues Strong Statement as F1 Driver Shut Down H…read more
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has issued a firm response condemning online abuse after Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne was compelled to deactivate his social media accounts due to a wave of hateful messages. The abuse followed a major incident involving Dunne during the F2 race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix on May 25.
Dunne, a highly regarded 19-year-old Irish driver currently leading the Formula 2 championship, is part of McLaren’s junior development program. During the opening lap of the race at the iconic Monte Carlo street circuit, Dunne was involved in a dramatic multi-car collision at the first corner, Sainte Devote. His car made contact with ART Grand Prix’s Victor Martins, sparking a chain-reaction crash that ultimately eliminated 11 cars from the race — more than half the field — and brought out the red flag immediately.
While no drivers were seriously injured, the crash stirred up intense criticism on social media, with much of it being directly aimed at Dunne. The level of vitriol became so severe that the young driver decided to remove himself from social media altogether shortly after the race.
Speaking candidly about the experience, Dunne shared how overwhelming the situation became. “I got a lot of stuff after Monaco,” he said. “Normally, I don’t read too much into what people say online, and it doesn’t bother me. But this time, about an hour after the race, I deleted social media off my phone because I had never received such horrible messages in my life.”
He added, “A lot of the things I was sent were really upsetting and difficult to deal with.”
In response to the situation, the FIA released an official statement reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on harassment and abuse targeting drivers, teams, or any other members of the motorsport community. The statement was issued under the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse initiative, which aims to promote respect, inclusion, and safety across all digital platforms associated with the sport.
The FIA emphasized that while racing incidents are part of the sport, no athlete should ever be subjected to personal attacks or hate online. The organization also called on fans to remember the human element behind the sport and to engage in respectful dialogue rather than abusive commentary.
This incident has once again highlighted the dark side of social media in the high-pressure world of motorsports. As young drivers like Dunne try to build their careers in the spotlight, the mental health toll of online abuse continues to be a growing concern for governing bodies and teams alike.
The FIA concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to protecting all participants in motorsport from abuse and urged fans to help create a more supportive and respectful online community.
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