FIA President's Bold Move to Shield Stewards Ahead of Monza

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-03

### A Renewed Push for Respect Formula One is roaring toward Monza this weekend, but FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to make something clear: abusing race stewards online isn't part of the sport. He's calling on fans to remember that the people making the calls are human beings doing a tough job. And honestly? He's got a point. The United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which Ben Sulayem founded, says Monza is the perfect example of everything great about F1. The vast majority of fans just want to enjoy the racing. They cheer, they debate, they disagree—but they don't send threats. That's the spirit we should all aim for. ### Why Monza Matters Monza isn't just another race. It's a temple of speed where history gets written every year. The tifosi pack the stands, the cars scream down the straights, and for a few hours, nothing else matters. But behind the scenes, stewards are making split-second decisions that can change the outcome of a race. And when those decisions go against a favorite driver, the backlash can get ugly. "Monza shows all that is best about Formula One," the UAOA campaign said in a statement. "The vast majority of fans have only good things to say about the sport, and those making it happen." That's the message Ben Sulayem wants to amplify. It's easy to forget that stewards aren't robots. They're former racers, officials, and volunteers who pore over replays and rulebooks. They don't have a favorite driver. They're just trying to keep the competition fair. When they get it wrong—and sometimes they do—they hear about it. But there's a difference between criticism and abuse. ### The Human Cost of Online Abuse Online abuse isn't just rude. It can have real consequences. Stewards have reported anxiety, stress, and even fear for their safety. Some have considered walking away from the role entirely. That's a loss for everyone, because without stewards, there's no race. The UAOA campaign has been working to raise awareness about this issue across all motorsport. They've partnered with teams, drivers, and social media platforms to push for better moderation and support for victims. But they can't do it alone. Here's what the campaign asks of fans: - Think before you post. Would you say it to someone's face? - Report abuse when you see it. Don't just scroll past. - Remember that officials are people too. They have families, feelings, and bad days. - Celebrate the sport, not the negativity. Monza is a celebration—let's keep it that way. ### What This Means for American Fans If you're watching from the States, you might feel removed from the drama. But online abuse is a global problem, and American fans are part of the global F1 community. The sport has exploded in popularity here in recent years, and with that growth comes responsibility. Ben Sulayem's call isn't just about Europe. It's about setting a standard for how we treat each other, no matter where we're watching from. Whether you're at a watch party in Austin or streaming from your couch in Seattle, you can help set the tone. So this weekend, when the lights go out at Monza, cheer for your favorite driver. Debate the strategy calls. But save the abuse. The stewards are just doing their job—and they deserve our respect, not our rage. At the end of the day, F1 is entertainment. It's supposed to be fun. Let's keep it that way.