FIA condemns online abuse targeting stewards after Dutch GP: “Disrespect has no place in sport”

Key takeaways

• FIA issues official rebuke: The FIA condemned targeted online abuse aimed at race stewards following disciplinary decisions at the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Colapinto penalized twice: Alpine’s Franco Colapinto received a drive-through penalty and a 10-second penalty during a chaotic, rain-affected race at Zandvoort.
• Sponsor sparks controversy: Remarks from Sean Summers, marketing director for one of Colapinto’s primary sponsors, questioned steward competence and triggered widespread fan backlash.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) issued an official statement after race stewards became targets of online abuse following penalties issued during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. According to the governing body, online harassment and disrespect have no place in motorsport.

Alpine’s Franco Colapinto received a drive-through penalty for overtaking Yuki Tsunoda under yellow flag conditions—which were subsequently upgraded to a red flag—following an opening-lap collision involving Max Verstappen and a spin for Gabriel Bortoleto at Zandvoort. Later in the race, the Argentine driver was handed an additional 10-second time penalty for failing to sufficiently reduce speed under yellow flags.

Addressing the initial incident, Colapinto defended his actions on track. “The yellow flag was deployed very late; I couldn’t brake in the middle of the straight or abort the overtake—it was too dangerous,” he stated. Compromised by the penalties, the Alpine driver crossed the finish line in 14th place.

Following the sequence of penalties, Sean Summers, marketing director for one of Colapinto’s major primary sponsors, took to social media to openly challenge the stewards’ decisions. His posts quickly gained traction among fans.

“FIA stewards are destroying the integrity of F1. This season, they are proving awful and impacting race results. Incompetence? Dishonesty? Both? Something is seriously broken in the culture of this organization,” Summers wrote.

The FIA responded directly to the escalating rhetoric, emphasizing that personal attacks cross an unacceptable boundary.

“Following the Dutch GP, FIA stewards were targeted with online abuse after applying sporting penalties in accordance with FIA regulations. The ‘United Against Online Abuse’ coalition condemns all forms of abuse and harassment,” the FIA stated. “Disagreeing with decisions is part of sport, but it must never justify threats or personal attacks.”

“In 2023, the FIA launched the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ coalition after a steward suffered targeted harassment following the United States Grand Prix. We strongly urge everyone involved in our sport to engage with respect and responsibility, both online and offline,” the statement concluded.

Lewis Hamilton takes responsibility for heated radio messages as teams now shift focus to the next round. Meanwhile, Lando Norris avoids excitement despite his recent form, and McLaren identifies Monza performance as key to its 2026 battle against Mercedes.

Formula 1 returns from September 4–6 at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides full live coverage of all track action. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 5 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Why did the FIA issue a statement after the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix?

The FIA issued a statement to condemn online harassment directed at race stewards following penalties handed to Franco Colapinto during the race.

2. What penalties did Franco Colapinto receive during the Dutch GP?

Colapinto received a drive-through penalty for overtaking under yellow/red flags and a subsequent 10-second penalty for failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions.

3. What is the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ coalition?

It is an initiative launched by the FIA in 2023 to combat harassment, toxic behavior, and targeted online abuse against drivers, officials, stewards, and team personnel across motorsport.