FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem asserts negative comments from F1 drivers and teams ‘incited’ abuse
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has officially addressed the massive surge in hatred towards the FIA officials on the internet due to drivers and teams.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)
Formula 1 is an intense and excruciating sport for the teams and especially the drivers. The people working on track aren’t often as calm and patient as they are off-track. Stewards officiating the race weekends are also under intense pressure to take quick and appropriate action towards offenses. Due to this, there is often an exchange of heated words from the teams and drivers towards the officials.
FIA’s CEO Mohammed Ben Sulayem has addressed these issues and spoken up on them. FIA had previously made a rule for the teams and drivers to not abuse on team radio to reduce these issues.
However, there is a massive surge in hatred towards the officials on the internet. Sulayem reckoned that there was a link between negative comments from drivers and teams and hatred on the internet.
Recent investigations have shown there is a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and increased hate directed towards officials on social media.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem via Instagram stories @mohammed.ben.sulayem
In addition, the CEO noted multiple ‘high profile’ people from the sport were hurling hatred towards the officials. Ben Sulayem highlighted that this form of disrespect wouldn’t be tolerated by the sport. The drivers and team members were the ones ‘inciting’ hatred towards the FIA officials which wasn’t expected.
Following incidents in which high profile members of our sport have made statements towards officials that incite abuse.Mohammed Ben Sulayem added
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has shared a statement on social media confirming an update to misconduct rules has been approved ?
— Autosport (@autosport) August 14, 2024
This follows comments made by drivers and team members towards FIA officials. pic.twitter.com/F9UCXVercA
FIA has ‘altered’ definition of misconduct in the rules to reduce such cases
FIA has continued its attempt to bring about changes to the sport and the way everyone is treated. As a result, the massive surge of online hatred needed to be tackled immediately. Hence, the governing body altered the definition of misconduct within the International Sporting Code (ISC). Additionally, Ben Sulayem urged to showcase to the world that FIA would not allow any abuses in the sport.
At the last World Motor Sport Council, members approved a change to the definition of misconduct within the ISC. I urge them to show that the FIA will not allow abuse of any kind within our sport.Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted
Formula 1 has continued to gain huge traction in recent years. Several people from a big age spectrum continue to enjoy the pinnacle of motorsport. Hence, for these new and young audiences, it is necessary to set a great example, not one filled with anger and hatred.
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Aditya Pandya
(1460 Articles Published)