FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned teams that there will be a crackdown on abusive comments targeted at stewards and delegates of the sport’s governing body.
According to the Emirati official, there has been a correlation between negative comments from key paddock personnel about FIA employees, and an increase in abuse targeted at them.
In a strong statement posted on his Instagram, Ben Sulayem took a stand. He wrote: “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. I urge them to show that the FIA will not allow abuse of any kind within our sport.”
Ben Sulayem’s statement and the actioned changes mean that the FIA will be able to fine and punish drivers, team principals or key members of staff for abusive comments towards the governing body’s members.
The FIA crackdown comes following some controversial comments from reigning champion Max Verstappen. In Hungary, the Red Bull star went on a tirade at both his own crew in the garage and the stewards.
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.”
Disrespectful comments, such as the one projected over the radio by Verstappen at the Hungarian Grand Prix, are what the FIA is trying to clamp down on with their new directive.
