The Formula 1 drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto welcomed FIA guidelines updated to combat online abuse and urged continued action against attacks targeting the sport on social media.
The federation unveiled the new rules during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, broadening the scope of digital harms to seven categories. Among the behaviors covered are toxic content, identity fraud, surveillance, and account blocking.
Colapinto stated that tackling this kind of attack has been a major concern for him throughout the current season: “It’s great. I’ve fought hard against this this year and I don’t want to talk too much more about it. I’ve said enough,” he said.
The Alpine driver emphasized that the issue requires ongoing involvement from the entire community: “Overall, it’s an area where we need to continue improving as a community, as a sport, in all areas, around the world. We must keep an eye on it and keep finding out how we can improve, without letting the topic fade away. We have to be very proactive in the things we do,” the Argentine commented.
Bortoleto also praised the FIA’s stance and defended the distinction between constructive criticism and personal attacks. For the Brazilian, opinions are part of a free environment, provided they do not cross the line.
“They cannot threaten. They cannot judge negatively, because I’m sure these people wouldn’t have the courage to look me in the eyes, in his eyes, or in anyone’s eyes. They do it because they’re behind a screen,” he stated.
The Audi driver was even more direct when addressing those behind the attacks: “Online abuse is the stuff of cowards, and I am sure the FIA is handling this in a very good way. They have been proactive,” he added.
This topic gained momentum this season after several incidents involving F1 drivers. According to the information provided, Pierre Gasly, his family and his girlfriend received 13,000 death threats after Alpine instructed Colapinto to let the Frenchman pass during the Spanish Grand Prix.
In addition to updating the guidelines, the FIA has been employing automated systems to filter abusive comments and maintains channels to forward cases to authorities so that serious threats and hate speech can be pursued for potential legal action.
