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Esteban Ocon Calls for Tough Penalties on Online Abusers After Chinese GP Clash

The backlash is fueling renewed pressure in the sport to curb anonymous harassment.

Overview

  • Ocon, speaking Thursday in the Suzuka paddock, said online abuse should face big consequences after he received death threats following his crash with Franco Colapinto in Shanghai.
  • He accepted full blame for the lap‑32 collision, took a 10‑second penalty, apologized to Colapinto, and the Alpine driver still recovered to finish 10th.
  • The Haas driver confirmed FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sent him a letter of support, linking the case to the federation’s United Against Online Abuse campaign.
  • Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu praised Ocon for owning the mistake immediately, calling his conduct the standard he expects from drivers.
  • Colapinto’s management urged fans not to send hateful messages or death threats, and coverage notes no announced prosecutions as the focus shifts to stronger deterrents and enforcement across the sport.