Formula One launches 'Drive It Out' campaign against abusive behaviour / Photo: CHRISTIAN BRUNA - POOL/AFP
-
In Ghana, larger-than-life coffins tell the stories of the dead
-
Rare trio of Pacific hurricanes fueled by historic El Nino
-
Menoncello, Reece headline Top 14 new-season signings
-
Chinese WNBA star out of World Cup after losing passport
-
Families descend on Nepal in search of missing tourists
-
Medieval Europe and Africa collide in Sao Tome traditional theatre
-
Far-right AfD eyes huge win in east German state vote
-
Iran attacks US targets despite Trump threats
-
Brazil-Japan to play World Cup rematch at Singapore tournament
-
Alcaraz believes 'impossible' schedule raising injury threat
-
Defence chiefs back boosting US military presence in Australia
-
Alcaraz rallies to reach US Open third round, Sabalenka storms through
-
Nepal seeks climate justice after Himalayan disaster
-
Alcaraz overpowers Faria to reach US Open third round
-
Stocks rise, yields ease as oil slips on Trump hint at short bombing campaign
-
Hamilton hopes to boost title bid with record Italian triumph
-
Brussels Diamond League finals Day 1 - five events to watch
-
Iran, US trade threats after fresh strikes
-
Thailand's 'Jurassic Park' shines light on dinosaur evolution
-
US not 'stealing Venezuelan oil,' energy secretary insists
-
'Role model' Stokes set to open for Adelaide Strikers
-
Farming experts tout 'conscious' food systems to fix agriculture woes
-
Palau urges 'unified' Pacific response to China missile test
-
George Lucas unveils art galaxy at his new LA museum
-
Grinding away: in remote Appalachia, old mills fuel US clean food dreams
-
Veteran Wallaby Slipper targets fifth World Cup after Brumbies deal
-
Sabalenka races into US Open third round
-
Sabalenka storms into US Open third round as Pegula, Medvedev advance
-
NSW's Fourth-Largest City Makes Its Move: Investing Platform Spotlights Wollongong's Health Precinct Plan and 20,500-Job Target
-
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Announces Transaction in Own Shares - September 03
-
Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals PLC Announces Exercise of Warrants and Issue of Equity
-
Costa Rica Makes History as First Latin American Country to Launch English Learning as a National Initiative with Open English
-
Chinese lucky loser stuns Jodar at US Open
-
Zverev looks to improve after first-round scare
-
US Open under the influence: content creators spark debate
-
Raiders to start Cousins over top NFL Draft pick Mendoza
-
NBA hammers Clippers over Leonard salary cap violations
-
Palantir chief says France's digital sovereignty push 'backfiring'
-
NBA strips five first-round draft picks from Clippers for Leonard salary cap violations
-
US energy firms dominate Venezuela deals worth billions
-
Kane brace helps Bayern win German Cup opener
-
Iran, US trade threats after escalation in fighting
-
Migrant plight, local anger divide Ceuta one month after influx
-
US jury deadlocks again in Lindsay Clancy's child murder trial
-
Outrage as Maltese tycoon acquitted of reporter's murder
-
Lake America? No way, Canadians say
-
Rare train of Pacific cyclones fueled by historic El Nino
-
Spain report flags Moroccan police failings in Ceuta migrant rush
-
Macron, King Charles hail UK-France ties after viewing Bayeux Tapestry
-
Tech bosses press G20 to build data centers, but split on risk
Formula One launches 'Drive It Out' campaign against abusive behaviour
Formula One on Saturday launched the 'Drive It Out' campaign against abusive behaviour online on social media and at Grands Prix.
The campaign has been fronted by drivers calling for all racist, sexist and homophobic abuse to be eliminated from not only from Formula One, but all sport worldwide.
The initiative follows outbursts of abusive behaviour at the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this month.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton raised the issue concerning the abuse at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring.
"Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend," he wrote at the time on his Instagram page.
On Saturday, the campaign was launched with a video including linked messages from all of the current drivers, F1's president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali and the ruling International Motoring Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
George Russell of Mercedes, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), made clear the position taken by the drivers.
"Abuse of any kind has no place in F1," he said. "If you see inappropriate behaviour, report it. If you're being targeted, reach out. We all love this sport, so let's look after each other."
In their video message, the drivers said: "Formula One is all about competition and rivalry, but also respect. Respect as competitors, respect for our fans, respect for the whole F1 family.
"Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. If you cannot be respectful, then don't be part of our sport. We cannot let those who think they can abuse others get away with it.
"We have a duty to call this out and say 'no more'.
"We are acting as a community to block those who abuse others online. We won't allow abuse at our races, but we also need social media platforms to tackle abuse online head-on.
"Those who hide behind social media with abusive and disrespectful views are not our fans. We are united and ask you to join us in driving this out of all sport and society. Drive it out together."
O.Brown--AT