Zandvoort’s opening lap crash left FIA stewards in the center of a storm when they handed drive‑through penalties to Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad for overtaking under yellow flags.
Drivers and fans demand answers
Both Alpine and Racing Bulls entrants disputed the calls, prompting outcry from fans, especially in Argentina. A sponsor executive for Colapinto escalated the issue on social media, accusing the FIA of unfairness – a post that has since been taken down.
The penalties triggered a flood of abuse aimed at the stewards, and the FIA said it is exploring its legal options.
Ben Sulayem weighs in on steward selection
During a media session at the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem admitted that outrage over the penalties began in Argentina but is not isolated. He said the FIA is “training” stewards more rigorously and will “rotate” officials, asking FIA Member Clubs to submit names for development programmes.
He clarified that the FIA is “not against” any nationality, adding that complaints have also come from Britain. “We must always be fair,” he said, expressing intent to reach out personally to Franco Colapinto.
FIA condemns online harassment
Ben Sulayem called the surge of online abuse “unacceptable” and emphasized that dismantling it requires a collective effort across all disciplines. He recalled an incident in Miami where a steward received death threats, which had spurred a wider movement to protect officials, drivers and journalists.
He cited a study showing that 70 % of online harassment originates in the Americas, with a smaller portion from Europe, and that the problem stretches beyond motorsport.
Photo credit
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Looking ahead
The FIA’s pledge to refine steward training and its commitment to policing online abuse signal a shift toward greater accountability, even as the world watches the Dutch Grand Prix’s fallout.
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