FIA condemns abuse of stewards over Colapinto penalties

The governing body for Formula 1, the FIA, has condemned online abuse directed at race stewards following the Dutch Grand Prix, stating that harassment and personal attacks have no place in the sport. The statement, issued on August 25, 2026, came after a wave of social media criticism targeting officials who imposed penalties on Alpine driver Franco Colapinto during the race at Zandvoort.

The controversy stems from incidents during the opening lap of the August 24 race. Following a heavy crash by Max Verstappen, double yellow flags were displayed. Colapinto and Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad were each given drive-through penalties for overtaking under those flags. Colapinto later received an additional 10-second time penalty for failing to slow under a single yellow flag, a sanction also applied to Red Bull's Liam Lawson.

Colapinto publicly disagreed with the stewards' decision, calling the penalties "very harsh" given the chaotic conditions. He argued that slamming on the brakes amid debris and spinning cars would have been more dangerous than completing his overtake. The stewards' report acknowledged the complicating factor of significant debris on track but stated the...