FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlights link between comments from drivers/teams in negativity towards race officials.
The recent radio comments from F1 drivers and team officials has come under fire for igniting negativity and bad mouthing against the FIA race officials. President Sulayem has raised concerns about online abuse ever since the 2021 season.
Steps have been taken to lighten the situation but as per Sulayem, it only takes one comment from driver and or team to ignite online negativity against race officials. The change came after last year’s ‘joke’ comment from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
It had its first ruling this year when Visa Cash App RB’s Yuki Tsunoda was handed a suspended fine. Apart from these two, the races has seen several comments made against officials, with the likes of Guenther Steiner, Christian Horner, Fernando Alonso involved.
In a post on his social media account, Sulayem noted about change in the International Sporting Code to define misconduct. “As part of our ongoing fight against online abuse, recent investigations have shown that there is a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and increased hate directed towards officials on social media,” he wrote.
“At the last World Motor Sport Council, members approved a change to the definition of misconduct within the ISC following incidents in which high profile members of our sport have made statements towards officials that incite abuse. This change will ensure further support for the FIA Officials and Volunteers who dedicate their time to improving our sport, keeping it safe and fair.
Our Stewards must be prepared to show strength when combatting this form of abuse, and they have my full support, and the support of our International Sporting Code, when making their decisions. I urge them to show that the FIA will not allow abuse of any kind within our sport.”
Here’s online abuse website: https://unitedagainstonlineabuse.com/
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