Formula 1: Pierre Gasly and his family received 13,000 threats / The FIA will use artificial intelligence to identify those responsible

French Alpine driver Pierre Gasly and his family received approximately 13,000 death threats on social media following the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Madrid, held in mid-September. The FIA is preparing severe measures against those involved, including lifetime bans from races.

The incident began during the race, when Gasly blocked an attack by his teammate, Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. The decision angered some supporters of the Argentine driver, and the aggressive messages quickly turned into direct threats against Gasly and his family.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that the organization intends to use artificial intelligence-based systems to identify accounts distributing hate messages and threats. The sanctions under consideration include blocking access to official platforms and permanent bans from racing circuits.

Ben Sulayem warned that online harassment also affects competition officials. He cited the example of a female race marshal who was threatened with death and rape and subsequently stepped down. The FIA launched the “United Against Online Abuse” campaign, while Colapinto urged fans to distinguish between supporting athletes and attacking other people.