FIA president seeks crackdown after online abuse investigation
Ahead of next weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned teams that they could face harsh punishment for abusive comments targeted at stewards and delegates of the sport's governing body.
FIA president Ben Sulayem has said investigations have been carried out which have indicated a “direct link” between negative comments from drivers and team members and online abuse.
He confirmed a change to the International Sporting Code has been approved, too, to the definition of ‘misconduct’ regarding language, with members having agreed on such a change.
The FIA crackdown comes following some controversial comments in recent months. Most recently, reigning champion Max Verstappen was engaged in a fierce fight with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix with their long duel ending in a crash which sent the rear of the RB20 into the air.
After a crash with Lewis Hamilton, he was informed that a medical delegate would check him over after the race. He replied sarcastically: "Let them send that medical delegate to the stewards to see if they are okay. I'm completely fine."
Writing in a statement posted to his Instagram story, Ben Sulayem said: “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.
“At the last World Motor Sport Council, members approved a change to the definition of misconduct within the ISC [International Sporting Code] 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 the International Sporting Code, when making their decisions.
