FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has shared a statement on Instagram confirming further support for FIA officials when handling criticism from drivers and team personnel.
The 62-year-old confirmed a recent investigation has established a positive correlation between negative comments and an increase in online abuse directed towards officials.
As a result, a change in definition to 'misconduct' in the International Sporting Code was approved to better equip racing stewards.
Drivers and team bosses have been known to aim criticism at stewards in the past.
At least year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sergio Perez hit out at the stewards after being penalised for a collision with Lando Norris, stating: “The stewards are a joke. I cannot believe it. They have been very bad this year, but this is a joke.”
Earlier in the same season, former Haas F1 team boss Guenther Steiner labelled the stewards as “laymen” for issuing Nico Hulkenberg a penalty for an opening lap collision.
Taking to Instagram, Ben Sulayem voiced his support for FIA stewards and urged them not to shy away from disciplining negative comments.
Full statement from Mohammed Ben Sulayem
"As part of our ongoing fight against online abuse, recent investigations have shown that there is a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and increased hate directed towards officials on social media.
"At the last World Motor Sport Council, members approved a change to the definition of misconduct within the ISC following incidents in which high profile members of our sport have made statements towards officials that incite abuse.
"This change will ensure further support for the FIA Officials and Volunteers who dedicate their time to improving our sport, keeping it safe and fair.
"Our Stewards must be prepared to show strength when combatting this form of abuse, and they have my full support, and the support of our International Sporting Code, when making their decisions.
"I urge them to show that the FIA will not allow abuse of any kind within our sport."
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