The world of motorsport is ablaze following a public stand taken by the FIA, Formula 1, and its related series against online harassment. This response comes after Formula 2’s top racer, Alex Dunne, chose to step back from social media due to overwhelming negativity after a controversial race at Monaco.
The renowned governing body, FIA, alongside Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, has united against an issue that transcends the racetrack: online abuse. Through their collective campaign, ‘United Against Online Abuse’, these organizations have emphasized their commitment to tackling this growing problem within their community. They have taken a bold step by collaborating to combat such incidents, reinforcing the need for respect in a sport driven by passion and human effort.
The campaign, launched by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2022, has set out to tackle abuse through a mix of collaborative strategies spanning research, education, and policy-making. Its formation was sparked by the harassment of a steward at the United States Grand Prix, and it’s now addressing the unwarranted attacks aimed at Alex Dunne.
Dunne found himself at the center of a social media storm following a collision with fellow racer Victor Martins at Monaco. This incident led to significant race turmoil, igniting a flurry of negative online commentary directed at him. Dunne, overwhelmed by the degree of vitriol, made the decision to remove social media apps from his phone, stating that he received an unprecedented wave of ‘really, really bad’ and upsetting messages.
Sadly, Dunne’s experience is not an isolated case in 2025. Former Alpine driver Jack Doohan also faced a social media backlash, urging followers to cease harassing his family. A misleading screenshot claimed to depict his father’s mocking reaction to a race incident, further demonstrating the harmful potential of fabrication online.
The FIA, through the UAOA initiative, has consistently acted on these incidents, reinforcing its stance with official statements. This latest development underlines the organization’s proactive measures to ensure the safety and respect of all individuals involved in motorsports, both online and offline.
The surge of online harassment within motorsport communities has prompted key players like the FIA to take a firm stand. Their efforts, especially through initiatives like UAOA, highlight the essential need for mutual respect and support in the world of high-speed sports. As these organizations continue their battle against digital negativity, the hope remains that such measures will foster a safer, more respectful environment for all involved.
