FIA condemns ‘harassment’ after social media abuse of F1 stewards

The Formula 1 governing body, the FIA, has strongly condemned "harassment and disrespect" directed at race stewards following the Dutch Grand Prix, as reported by the Associated Press. The FIA's statement, released Tuesday, did not specify any particular incidents or comments, but it followed a social media backlash from fans of Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, who received two penalties from the stewards during Sunday's race.

The FIA emphasized that online abuse, harassment, and disrespect have no place in the sport, stating that disagreements with decisions should never justify threats or personal attacks. The statement was issued alongside a post from the United Against Online Abuse group, a coalition founded by the FIA. Colapinto and Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad were each given a drive-through penalty for overtaking under double yellow flags following Max Verstappen's crash, with the stewards noting mitigating circumstances due to the debris on track.

Additionally, Colapinto and Red Bull's Liam Lawson each received 10-second time penalties for failing to slow under a yellow flag.