Shock in Formula 1: French driver received 13,000 death threats

Gasly was the victim of online abuse after the Madrid Grand Prix in mid-September. The wave of threats followed an incident on the track when Gasly allegedly blocked his teammate from Argentina, Franco Colapinto. Part of the Argentinian team’s fans took his move too seriously, and started attacking them on social media.

“Pierre Gasly had 13,000 death threats, 13,000,” said a shocked Ben Sulayem, adding that the targets of the wild attacks were not only drivers, but also and čmembers of their families and partners, as well as judges.

“We had a judge who was threatened with murder and rape, after which she simply said that it was not worth it to her. We risk losing the sport because of online abuse,” he added.

He pointed out that this level of online abuse is not limited to one country, one fan base or one demographic group. Riječ is about a global epidemic.

In order to put an end to such behavior, the FIA ​​is forced to use advanced tools such as artificial intelligence to identify profiles that spread threats. From the umbrella house of motorsport, they announce strict sanctions, including permanent bans on coming to the tracks and blockades on official platforms.

“We launched United Against Online Abuse, our mission is to raise awareness and educate,” said the FIA ​​president.

Colapitano also spoke out, who recorded a video in which he asked his fans to understand that supporting him does not mean attacking others.