The FIA has issued a statement about the online abuse of its stewards after the Dutch GP. The governing body appears to be responding directly to, among other things, the harsh criticism from Franco Colapinto’s main sponsor, who strongly attacked the stewards for the penalties imposed on the Argentine after the Dutch race. “Disagreements over decisions are part of the sport, but should never be a justification for threats or personal attacks,” the governing body writes.
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The FIA’s statement on online abuse seems to be, among other things, a response to earlier criticism from Franco Colapinto’s main sponsor, Mercado Libre, of the FIA stewards during the Dutch GP. Sean Summers, marketing director of the South American company, expressed strong criticism via social media. “The stewards are destroying the integrity of Formula 1,” said Summers. “This season they have been terrible and are influencing the results. Incompetence? Dishonesty? Both? There is something seriously wrong with the culture of that organization.”
FIA issues statement
The FIA shared a statement on the Tuesday after the Dutch Grand Prix. In it, they defend the stewards and speak out against online abuse, although Colapinto’s main sponsor is not mentioned. “After the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA stewards were subjected to online insults after imposing sporting penalties in accordance with FIA regulations,” the governing body writes.
“The United Against Online Abuse Coalition condemns all forms of online abuse and intimidation,” it continues. “Disagreements over decisions are part of the sport, but should never be a justification for threats or personal attacks. In 2023, the FIA established the United Against Online Abuse Coalition after a steward became the target of targeted abuse following the United States Grand Prix. We call on everyone involved in our sport to treat each other with respect and responsibility both online and offline.”
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Online abuse, harassment and disrespect have no place in our sport.#UAOA #FIA pic.twitter.com/6WlQN7tdl4
— FIA (@fia) August 25, 2026
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