FIA president releases statement after Yuki Tsunoda social media abuse

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has released a statement, following the vile abuse Yuki Tsunoda was subjected to last Friday on social media. 

The Red Bull driver called on F1 to take action after supporters of Franco Colapinto posted sickening messages in Spanish directed at Tsunoda. 

Colapinto's fans took to social media after a small incident between the two drivers during first practice at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which saw Tsunoda impeded and, understandably, frustrated. 

Once aware of what had happened on social media, Colapinto urged his followers to remain calm and respectful. 

In Ben Sulayem's statement, he outlined that there is no driver should be subjected to what Tsunoda faced, but also thanked the two drivers for speaking out. 

The FIA president's statement on Instagram read: "Motorsport is built on competition, passion, and commitment, and ever race drivers take to the track representing these values. The passion and excitement that we feel for our sport should unite us and never be twisted into abuse or hatred. 

"I stand in full support of Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto, and I thank them for speaking out against the growing issue of online abuse in motorsport. 

"No one should be subjected to threats, hatred, or discrimination. There is no place for abuse or toxicity in our community. Through the united against online abuse campaign, we are taking decisive action - raising awareness, providing support, and driving change. 

"We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in our sport, and together we can build a safer, more respectful environment for all."