Key Highlights:
- Will Buxton says Formula 1 drivers whose supporters engage in toxic online abuse must publicly condemn it.
- Lando Norris faced online backlash after criticizing Franco Colapinto following a multi-car crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- Buxton says remaining silent when fan abuse continues makes drivers “complicit” in the behavior.
Will Buxton Calls on F1 Drivers to Condemn Fan Abuse
Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton has argued that drivers must take responsibility for toxic behavior from their supporters, saying those who fail to publicly condemn online abuse are “complicit” in allowing it to continue.
The comments followed an incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix involving McLaren driver Lando Norris and Alpine driver Franco Colapinto. Colapinto locked up during the safety car restart in Baku and triggered a multi-car crash. He collided with Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly, who then crashed into Norris. All three drivers were forced to retire from the race.
Speaking to the media immediately after the incident, Norris said some drivers “shouldn’t be in F1” and argued that Colapinto should receive a race ban. Norris later apologized for his heat-of-the-moment comments, but the McLaren driver had already become the target of substantial online abuse from Colapinto’s passionate Argentine fanbase.
Buxton Says Drivers Must Take a Public Stand
During an episode of the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton said public figures—particularly athletes—have an obligation to challenge abusive conduct by their supporters.
“It’s [incumbent] on any public figure, particularly sports people, if their fan base engages in this kind of rhetoric against other fans, against other sports players or public personalities or whatever within this social media space. I think it is absolutely incumbent on them to call it out,” Buxton said.
When it was noted that Colapinto had previously issued a statement opposing abusive comments from his fan base, Buxton questioned whether that response had been strong or recent enough.
“But not this week, and this is now a regular occurrence. So, if he’s done it, has he done it strongly enough? And this isn’t just a Franco Colapinto issue.
Buxton said similar patterns of abuse had affected other prominent Formula 1 figures, including Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton. He also recalled the abuse directed at former Williams driver Nicholas Latifi after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“The same thing has happened repeatedly for years with Sergio Perez and his fans. I remember back in 2021 after Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton’s fans were vile. Over the winter, I received stuff that was utterly disgusting. Nicholas Latifi was receiving death threats over that winter period.
Buxton said drivers need to make it clear that abusive supporters do not speak for them.
“It is incumbent on the drivers whose fan bases are making these comments to stand up, say something and say, ‘You do not represent me, and I do not want you making these comments,’ and if you don’t, then you are complicit in it continuing.
He added:
“You have to take a stand. If you truly want people to believe that you want to see it end, then you have to take a stand and you have to take a position because being silent is complicity in it.”
Why This Matters
The dispute highlights the growing connection between Formula 1’s intense sporting rivalries and abuse on social media. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix crash created a highly charged situation involving Lando Norris, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, but Buxton’s criticism focused on the conduct that followed the race rather than the collision itself.
Buxton’s argument places particular emphasis on the public role of drivers and the influence they have over their fan communities. His comments suggest that statements condemning abuse are expected not only after isolated incidents, but also when hostile behavior becomes a recurring pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crash involving Lando Norris and Franco Colapinto?
Franco Colapinto locked up during the safety car restart at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He collided with Pierre Gasly, whose car then crashed into Lando Norris. All three drivers retired from the race.
Why did Lando Norris face online abuse?
Norris received online abuse after saying some drivers “shouldn’t be in F1” and arguing that Colapinto should be given a race ban. Norris later apologized for those comments.
What did Will Buxton say drivers should do?
Buxton said drivers should publicly reject abusive comments made by their supporters and clearly state that those fans do not represent them. He said remaining silent makes drivers “complicit” in the abuse continuing.
