Breaking: FIA President Issues Official Statement after Yuki Tsonuda S…read more
FIA President Condemns Online Abuse Targeting Yuki Tsunoda After Emilia Romagna Incident
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a strong statement condemning the appalling online abuse directed at Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda following a minor on-track incident during the first practice session at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Tsunoda became the target of hateful and racist messages, predominantly in Spanish, after an interaction with F2 driver Franco Colapinto. The altercation, which saw Tsunoda impeded on track, sparked an alarming wave of vitriol from Colapinto’s supporters on social media.
The Red Bull driver promptly called for F1 and the broader motorsport community to take action against such behavior. In response, Colapinto took to his own platforms, urging fans to remain calm and respectful.
In a public statement posted to Instagram, FIA President Ben Sulayem expressed his full support for both Tsunoda and Colapinto, denouncing the abuse and reaffirming the FIA’s stance against online toxicity.
“Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and every race drivers take to the track representing these values,” Ben Sulayem wrote. “The passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hatred.”
He continued: “No one should be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community. Through the United Against Online Abuse campaign, we are taking decisive action—raising awareness, providing support, and driving change.”
The FIA president emphasized the organization’s dedication to creating a safe and respectful environment in motorsport, adding: “We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all.”
The statement has been met with widespread support from fans, teams, and drivers alike, as Formula 1 continues to confront the growing issue of digital harassment.
