The International Automobile Federation (FIA) defended its race stewards after they received threats and attacks on social media following the Dutch Grand Prix. The organization condemned the harassment generated by the penalties imposed on Franco Colapinto in Zandvoort and urged all members of the Formula 1 to maintain responsible conduct.
"After the Dutch Grand Prix, the FIA stewards were subjected to online abuse after applying sporting penalties in accordance with FIA regulations", stated the FIA in a statement.
The controversy arose during the first lap of the race when Max Verstappen suffered a heavy crash at turn 14. At that moment yellow flags appeared and Colapinto overtook Yuki Tsunoda. The Argentine managed to avoid the Red Bull and continue on track, but the stewards deemed that the maneuver violated the yellow flag conditions and imposed a Drive-Through.
It is worth noting that Arvid Lindblad received exactly the same penalty for a similar maneuver on Pierre Gasly in the same sector. Like Colapinto, the punishment affected his race and caused him to lose positions in the standings: the Racing Bulls driver finished 12th, while the Argentine, who also received another ten seconds for a new infraction under yellow flags, finished 14th.
The severity of the decisions generated criticism among fans and was also publicly questioned by Colapinto himself and various members of Alpine. However, the FIA specifically targeted those who took the disagreement to the level of personal threats. "Disagreement with decisions is part of the sport, but it should never justify threats or personal attacks", the organization stated, also recalling the work of the coalition "United Against Online Abuse".
The FIA launched this initiative in 2023, after one of its stewards suffered a case of targeted harassment following the United States Grand Prix. The goal is to combat attacks directed at those involved in professional motorsport as a result of decisions made during competitions.
"We urge all individuals connected to our sport to act with respect and responsibility, both online and offline", concluded the institution.
In this way, the organization sought to separate the sporting discussion generated by the penalties to Colapinto from the harassment suffered by the stewards responsible for applying them.
When will Colapinto race again
After his complicated participation in Zandvoort, the Argentine, who will now have the upgrades to his A526 that Alpine developed during the summer break, will seek to recover in the Italian Grand Prix. Activities at the legendary Italian circuit will start on Friday, September 4 with the first free practices and conclude on Sunday, September 6 with the main race.
