The Formula 1 grid has came together with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to launch the first ‘United Against Online Abuse Day’.
UAOA was founded by Ben Sulayem in 2023 in response to the growing crisis of online abuse in the sporting world, according to the UAOA website.
The new project hopes to “bring together the global motorsport community to tackle online abuse in sport.”
At the British Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem was joined by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali and all 22 current F1 drivers to recognise the first dedicated day.
“Online abuse undermines our competitions and endangers our athletes, officials, and fans,” the FIA president said.
“It erodes the very spirit of sport. But together, we can change that.”
After an incident with Franco Colapinto at the Chinese Grand Prix this year, Haas driver Esteban Ocon was subjected to death threats and firmly stood against accepting such abuse.
“If you start accepting that [online abuse], you accept that this is reality, this is normality, and that is not the case.”
Sky Sports F1 broadcaster Natalie Pinkham also encouraged fans to challenge abusive behaviour online.
“Be disruptive in this space, don’t be afraid to call stuff out, like if it doesn’t feel right when you read it, call it out.”
UAOA branding featured on interview backdrops, in Parc Ferme, and across fan engagement activities throughout the Silverstone weekend, reinforcing the message that everybody has a part in fostering a respectful online environment.
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