FIA President Ben Sulayem Tightens Regulations on Misconduct Amid Rising Online Abuse

FIA President Ben Sulayem announces measures to address misconduct

FIA head asserts that adverse remarks from competitors result in online harassment

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that a modification to the International Sporting Code has been sanctioned to address what he referred to as “negative comments”.

In the past few years, there have been many occasions where drivers and team members in various FIA-sanctioned motorsport events have openly criticized the decisions made by officials.

Sergio Perez, a driver for Red Bull in Formula 1, received a warning for labeling race stewards as “a joke” following a penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Similarly, in 2022, Fernando Alonso criticized the stewards by calling them “incompetent.”

In a social media announcement, Ben Sulayem revealed that FIA investigations suggest a link between critical remarks from competitors directed at the governing body's race officials and the online harassment those officials face.

Ben Sulayem asserts that the members of the World Motor Sport Council have agreed to amend the sporting code to redefine misconduct in order to address such statements more effectively.

The WMSC has not released an official statement on this issue at this time.

Ben Sulayem posted: "Our continuous efforts to combat online harassment have revealed through recent investigations that negative remarks from drivers and team members are directly associated with a rise in social media hate targeting officials."

During the most recent meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, members agreed to update the definition of misconduct in the International Sporting Code. This decision came after several notable individuals in the sport made comments directed at officials that encouraged abusive behavior.

"This modification will provide additional assistance to the FIA officials and volunteers who commit their time to enhancing our sport, ensuring it remains safe and just."

"Our officials need to be ready to demonstrate firmness in addressing this kind of misconduct. They have my complete backing, as well as the backing of our International Sporting Code, when they make their judgments."

"I call on them to demonstrate that the FIA will not tolerate any form of mistreatment in our sport."

Since becoming the FIA president at the close of 2021, Ben Sulayem has been involved in several contentious issues.

Earlier this year, he faced accusations of meddling in a stewards' ruling that reversed a penalty given to Alonso in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Additionally, there were claims that he advocated against the FIA approving the Las Vegas circuit.

The FIA’s Ethics Committee found him not guilty of any misconduct.

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