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 released a strong statement denouncing the wave of online abuse targeted at Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne, which led him to deactivate his social media accounts. The incident stems from a high-profile crash that occurred during the Formula 2 race at the famed Monaco Grand Prix on May 25. The crash, which took place on the first lap, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend, triggering significant backlash against the young driver.

Alex Dunne, a 19-year-old rising star from Ireland, is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and is also a member of McLaren’s prestigious junior driver development program. Expectations have been high for Dunne, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and potential throughout the 2025 season. However, his performance in Monaco took a dramatic turn when he became involved in a serious crash just moments after the race began.

The incident unfolded at the first corner of the Monte Carlo circuit — the notoriously tight Sainte Devote — where Dunne’s car collided with Victor Martins of ART Grand Prix. The contact triggered a massive chain reaction that caused a spectacular pile-up, ultimately resulting in 11 cars being eliminated from the race. With over half of the field taken out, the race was immediately red-flagged, leading to a lengthy delay as crews worked to clear the damaged vehicles.

While the crash itself was deemed a racing incident by officials and not intentional, the response from fans online was swift and harsh. Dunne became the target of an onslaught of abuse and personal attacks across multiple social media platforms. The hostility escalated to such a degree that the young driver decided to temporarily step away from all online engagement for his well-being.

In response to the situation, the FIA condemned the online abuse in no uncertain terms. The governing body emphasized that no driver — especially one so early in their career — should be subjected to harassment or threats. Their statement reaffirmed the sport’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants, both on and off the track. The FIA also reiterated its ongoing efforts to combat online hate through initiatives aimed at promoting respectful behavior among fans.

The incident has reignited discussions around the pressure placed on young drivers and the dark side of fan interactions in the digital age. Many in the racing community, including fellow drivers and teams, have rallied in support of Dunne, urging fans to remember that racing is an intense, high-stakes sport where mistakes and accidents are sometimes unavoidable.