F1 drivers join FIA president in bid to tackle online abuse

F1 drivers have joined the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to launch the inaugural 'United Against Online Abuse Day.'

Founded by Ben Sulayem, the project hopes to "bring together the global motorsport community to tackle online abuse in sport."

Across the recent British Grand Prix weekend, UAOA branding was prominent in the paddock, as part of a "unified" message, with all drivers and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali joining Ben Sulayem ahead of the first dedicated day. 

Earlier this season, Haas driver Esteban Ocon received death threats following an incident on track with Franco Colapinto in China, with the Frenchman standing against "accepting" the reality of such abuse.

"If you start accepting that [online abuse], you accept that this is reality, this is normality, and that is not the case," he said. 

Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham also urged fans to "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."

Ben Sulayem added that online abuse "erodes" the spirit of sport.

"Online abuse undermines our competitions and endangers our athletes, officials, and fans," he said.

"It erodes the very spirit of sport. But together, we can change that."