FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says he stands with four-time world champion Alain Prost against online abuse he has received.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has spoken out in support of Alain Prost. The four-time Formula 1 World Champion has been facing persistent online abuse, stemming from Prost’s historic rivalry with the late Ayrton Senna.
The Prost-Senna rivalry was one of the most intense in Formula 1 history. The historic rivalry reached its peak during the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix.
In a dramatic and controversial moment, the two title contenders collided, leading to Prost securing the championship after Senna was disqualified. Despite his retirement from racing over 30 years ago, Prost continues to be targeted online by fans.
Prost revealed that messages referencing Senna flood his social media daily, with some even being hateful.
“I can’t not think about Ayrton, fortunately or unfortunately. For example, I’m considering turning off my Instagram, because I get messages every day, really every day without exception – from time to time there’s a hateful one, that can happen.”
Despite Prost’s own career and multiple championships, his name remains intrinsically linked with Senna, particularly among Brazilian fans.
“My biggest fan base on social media is from Brazil, of all places, so I’m forced to think of him. Indirectly, I’ve been living around this story for 30 years, and it will probably stay that way for the rest of my life.”
Whilst rivalries are a vital part of the sport, the persistent hatred toward an individual is not. Ultimately highlighting the darker side of fan culture in sports.
FIA President Takes a Stand
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has since reacted to the abuse Prost has received online..
“I stand with former World Champion Alain Prost and was saddened to hear about the abuse he has faced on social media,” Sulayem stated.
The President further reinforced his commitment to reducing online harassment in F1. The United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign was an initiative he launched in 2022.
The campaign aims to foster a safer online space for athletes, fans, journalists and the entire sporting community. Using platforms to curb digital harassment of anyone in the sporting world.
“This coalition relies on the sporting community coming together, and we must continue to unite in this fight.”
The UAOA campaign represents the growing need to address the rise in online abuse within sports. Extending outside of Formula 1 and Motorsports.
Social Media has been a crucial tool for engagement within sports, allowing fans to interact with content and their favourite athletes in ways never seen before.
However, it has also become a breeding ground for toxicity and cyberbullying. The FIA’s efforts to work alongside tech companies and governing bodies to mitigate such behaviour are critical in ensuring that sports remain a positive and inclusive space.
Moving forward for Motorsport
As Formula 1 continues to grow its fanbase, the importance of campaigns such as the UAOA is apparent. The FIA’s strong message is that no one in the sport should have to endure hate simply for being part of its history.
However, it is ultimately up to Motorsport fans to create a safe and welcoming community for all.
Feature Image Credit: @Ben_Sulayem on X
