FIA president WARNS F1 personnel over 'abuse'

A warning has been issued to F1 teams and drivers by the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the abuse of race officials.

Whilst the stewards can often be unpopular with drivers and teams, fans' discontent with their decisions have escalated to online abuse.

READ MORE: 'Extraordinary' meeting set up as FIA announce points change decision

Fernando Alonso's chief mechanic suggested double standards were at play when stewards issued their verdicts on two similar incidents.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, took serious issue with decisions at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and at the end of the race suggested the stewards should see the FIA's medical delegate to be checked rather than himself.

What is the warning to F1 personnel?

The proposed changes would "redefine the definition of ‘misconduct’ within the ISC following recognition that there have been an increasing number of incidents in which high profile participants have made statements towards officials that incite abuse."

Online abuse and hate speech will also be directly referenced in the code.

Now, Ben Sulayem has indicated that incited abuse includes that from fans on social media.

READ MORE: Five key F1 questions to be answered during the summer break

A statement on his Instagram story said that investigations have found a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and increased hate directed towards officials on social media.

Referencing the ISC alterations, he added: "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 our 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."

READ MORE: Formula 1 announce NEW Las Vegas partnership

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

Aston Martin F1 owner Lawrence Stroll breaks silence over team principal change

• 1 hour ago

F1 champion Max Verstappen battling ‘conflicting’ retirement thoughts

• 3 hours ago

Audi announce F1 team principal exit after just two races

• Today 17:00

Christian Horner in 'meeting with Aston Martin team owner'

• Today 15:03

'It's not forbidden': Will this F1 star move to Ferrari?

• Yesterday 21:00

Max Verstappen's series switch made official

• Yesterday 19:00