close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Hamilton, Mercedes, Japan, 2022

Hamilton demands social media crack down on "toxic" abuse

Hamilton, Mercedes, Japan, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images
21 reacties

Hamilton demands social media crack down on "toxic" abuse

Abuse on F1 social media channels has become common in recent years

Lewis Hamilton has suggested people "get off" social media unless platforms act to crack down on abusive trolls.

F1's rapid surge in popularity has seen emotions heighten on social media, with last year's titanic battle between the Mercedes driver and Max Verstappen a particular focal point.

Passionate comments that went beyond acceptability were sent by trolls on social media, with Max Verstappen claiming the reporting of this year's events by Sky Sports F1 has only served to increase the toxicity.

In July, F1 reacted to the abuse by launching the 'Drive it Out' campaign, with a video featuring all 20 drivers, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

It is pinned to the top of the sport's feeds as a reminder such behaviour is unacceptable.

But with social media platforms continuing not to act to prevent abuse, Hamilton has suggested it could be time to turn away from such outlets.

"Social media is getting more and more toxic as the years go on," said the Mercedes driver. "We should all probably get off it ultimately.

"Mental health is such a prominent thing right now. I know so many people are reading their comments and what people say and it is hurtful.

"Fortunately, I don't read that stuff but the media platforms definitely need to do more, particularly for young kids and women.

"But at the moment, they're not doing that so I think this will just continue."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen F1 dig backfires as new exit clause details emerge

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen F1 dig backfires as new exit clause details emerge

  • 1 hour ago
Max Verstappen F1 trolling backfires

Max Verstappen F1 trolling backfires

  • Yesterday 22:55
Haas F1 star announced for new drive

Haas F1 star announced for new drive

  • Yesterday 21:59
Luring Verstappen to Aston Martin? Stroll arrives at Nurburgring where F1 star is testing

Luring Verstappen to Aston Martin? Stroll arrives at Nurburgring where F1 star is testing

  • Yesterday 21:13
The brutal Max Verstappen exit clause revealed and why it's bad news for Red Bull

The brutal Max Verstappen exit clause revealed and why it's bad news for Red Bull

  • Yesterday 20:26
FIA on alert over new Mercedes engine trick that has 'annoyed' Ferrari

FIA on alert over new Mercedes engine trick that has 'annoyed' Ferrari

  • Yesterday 19:43

Just in

06:57
F1 News Today: Max Verstappen F1 dig backfires as new exit clause details emerge
1-4
Max Verstappen F1 trolling backfires
1-4
Haas F1 star announced for new drive
1-4
Luring Verstappen to Aston Martin? Stroll arrives at Nurburgring where F1 star is testing
1-4
The brutal Max Verstappen exit clause revealed and why it's bad news for Red Bull
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

The brutal Max Verstappen exit clause revealed and why it's bad news for Red Bull Max Verstappen

The brutal Max Verstappen exit clause revealed and why it's bad news for Red Bull

Yesterday 20:26
FIA on alert over new Mercedes engine trick that has 'annoyed' Ferrari FIA

FIA on alert over new Mercedes engine trick that has 'annoyed' Ferrari

Yesterday 19:43
Red Bull F1 boss opens up on 'retirement talk' with Max Verstappen Latest F1 News

Red Bull F1 boss opens up on 'retirement talk' with Max Verstappen

Yesterday 18:59
F1 stars' WhatsApp group is 'exploding' claims GPDA chairman: 'Drivers have to be heard' F1 News & Gossip

F1 stars' WhatsApp group is 'exploding' claims GPDA chairman: 'Drivers have to be heard'

Yesterday 18:01
Ontdek het op Google Play
x