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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned that ignoring social media abuse within F1 could cause damage "beyond repair". There have been incidences during the 2022 season of abuse aimed at different drivers, individuals and teams across the paddock, as well as stewards. One of these cases involved abuse being directed at FIA steward Silvia Bellot in the aftermath of Fernando Alonso receiving a 30-second time penalty after the United States Grand Prix, a punishment that was later withdrawn following an appeal from Alpine. Alonso spoke out to condemn the abuse aimed at Bellot, calling it "hateful behaviour". Ben Sulayem has reiterated that he is determined to fight any incidences like this. Ben Sulayem concerned by 'toxic' social media abuse Speaking at the FIA and FIM Women in Motorsports Conference, the President voiced his concerns of "toxic" ...

George Russell has explained how he deals with the "ruthless" nature of social media in the public eye. The Mercedes driver admits that there are various mental health challenges posed by being an F1 driver, but finds the perceptions that people share online to be particularly difficult. "[This job] absolutely challenges your mental health so much," Russell told The High Performance Podcast . "You've got to be so resilient to the negativity in this world, whether it's the public perception, whether it's social media , whether it's the pressures of the team or even the pressures of yourself. "But I think the biggest one, probably, for me, is that public perception and social media side, which is a tough one, and I think that's also relatable to people who aren't in the spotlight, because social media is a pretty ruthless platform." ...