The FIA has firmly condemned the online abuse directed at Formula 1® stewards following the penalties issued during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The controversy arose after Alpine driver Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad were both penalised for overtaking under double-waved yellow flags on the first lap of the race.
Both drivers received drive-through penalties in line with the FIA rulebook. The stewards acknowledged mitigating circumstances related to debris on the track but maintained that the overtaking manoeuvres violated safety regulations. Colapinto passed Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda shortly after the yellow flags were displayed, while Lindblad overtook Alpine’s Pierre Gasly under similar conditions.
The penalties sparked a wave of criticism online, particularly targeting the stewards’ decisions. Colapinto and his Argentinian sponsor Mercado Libre publicly contested the penalty, with Mercado Libre’s marketing chief questioning the integrity of the stewards before deleting the post. Despite this, both the FIA and Alpine condemned the abusive and threatening messages directed at the stewards and Alpine’s social media channels.
Alpine expressed its trust in the FIA stewards, acknowledging that while the penalties were harsh, they were consistent and based strictly on the letter of the law. The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign also condemned all forms of harassment, underscoring the importance of respect and responsibility within the sport.
Some of the online criticism suggested a bias against Colapinto due to his nationality, despite Lindblad, a British driver, receiving an identical penalty. The FIA did not confirm any such bias, focusing instead on the application of the rules as written.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing fan reactions in the digital age, especially when stewards enforce regulations that impact race outcomes. The FIA’s stance reinforces its commitment to protecting officials from harassment and maintaining the integrity of the sport’s disciplinary processes.
Overall, the situation reflects the complexities of stewarding in Formula 1®, where safety regulations must be upheld even under contentious circumstances. The responses from both the FIA and Alpine emphasise the need for respectful dialogue and adherence to established rules within the racing community.