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FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem responds to FIA-led research as part of the United Against Online Abuse campaign.
In the last week of summer break ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, the FIA has announced revisions to sporting conduct regulations. Concerns are increasing regarding the hate directed towards officials, stewards, and race control via social media.
Online abuse
As reported by RaceFans, the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem shared the following statement regarding online abuse:
“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”
A key change in the regulation is the decision to define what misconduct entails clearly. It is hoped that the revision to the rules will help protect those working within motorsports, no matter their role. As Ben Sulayem explains:
“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.”
He added:
“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.”
Ben Sulayem is not just referring to the general public taking to social media to commit acts of online abuse against officials. While that is an area focused on during the United Against Online Abuse campaign research, the FIA’s President also clarifies that abusive behaviour of any kind will not be accepted. Including inappropriate behaviour from Formula 1 drivers and teams.
Driver incidents
The sporting misconduct regulations were first updated following an incident involving Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez last season. At the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Perez was handed a penalty dropping him from P2 to P4. In response to his penalty, he was heard on the radio to Red Bull saying: “The stewards are a joke.” He was summoned to the stewards following his comment and received a formal warning.
"The Stewards are a Joke"
– Checo, Post-race on team radioSergio Perez has been Summoned by the FIA for the Breach of Article 12.2.1 k) of the International Sporting Code #F1 #AbuDhabiGP #SergioPerezpic.twitter.com/lXdeezD79o
— Desi Racing Co. (@DesiRacingco) November 26, 2023
Perez’s statement had not been an isolated incident. In the heat of the race, particularly when they disagree with a decision by race control, F1 drivers have been known to make angry comments over the radio. Sometimes their comments are directed at race officials and stewards.
Pierre Gasly also raised issues with the FIA after the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. He wanted clarification regarding their penalty regulations, believing that the FIA were inconsistent in applying penalties. Kevin Magnussen allegedly pushed the French Alpine driver off the track but received no penalty.
However, the FIA want to crack down on abusive language entirely, not just when directed at officials. For example, the FIA punished Yuki Tsunoda after he made offensive radio comments during the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying session. The Japanese RB driver was fined 40,000 Euros (approximately £34,350) for using an offensive slur and breaching the International Sporting Code of Conduct.
Yuki Tsunoda gets €40,000 fine from FIA for tantrum on team radio:
Yuki has been heavily fined by the FIA for swearing on the team radio of Visa Cash App RB.
The Japanese driver expressed his frustration with other Formula 1 drivers whom he felt were obstructing his path and… pic.twitter.com/H8waAUaBep
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) June 29, 2024
Ben Sulayem closed his statement with the following comments:
“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,”
He continued:
“I urge them to show that the FIA will not allow abuse of any kind within our sport.”
Featured Image Credit: @Ben_Sulayem on X