Mohammed Ben Sulayem condemns online abuse in motorsport and announces the mobilization
of AI technology to address the growing issue
Arwen.ai moderation platform to help the FIA detect and reduce levels of toxic content
FIA in talks with social media platforms, governments and fellow sports governing bodies as part of
joint action
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to speak further on the subject at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
As part of a concerted effort to address the issue of online abuse throughout the motorsport community, the
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is partnering with Artificial Intelligence experts Arwen.ai.
Through this collaboration, Arwen.ai is leveraging its AI-enabled content moderation platform to help the FIA
detect and reduce growing levels of unwanted content on its social channels. A successful trial has already
been completed.
The FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has called for direct action against the scourge of online abuse,
and in particular, comments directed at FIA volunteers, officials and competitors. He said: “As the governing
body, we draw criticism at times for the decisions we take in enforcing technical and sporting regulations. We
expect people to disagree with some decisions, but opinions and comments should always be respectful.
People are entitled to their opinion and we encourage free speech. However, an increasing number of social
media posts carry an unacceptable level of vitriol, and this, we cannot tolerate.”
Ben Sulayem continued: “A number of FIA staff have been targeted with harassment and hate posts over the
past few years, which is totally unacceptable. Some of that has been aimed at FIA volunteers, including FIA
female steward Silvia Bellot, who was subject to death threats. It is utterly deplorable that a volunteer such as
Silvia, or any of our marshals and officials who volunteer their time to allow us to go racing in a safe and
controlled environment, are the subject of such hatred. Without them, there would be no racing.”
“We have also heard the views of Formula 1 drivers during recent drivers’ briefings at grand prix weekends.
They have voiced their concerns over the issue and are committed to action. We are calling on the entire
motorsport community to unite as one in this mission. Abuse has no place in our sport. It has a devastating
effect on our mental health and that of our loved ones, and I will always stand up for my employees, officials
and volunteers”, he added.
On the new partnership with Arwen.ai, President Ben Sulayem said: “Our campaign will build on the recent
Drive It Out initiative. We must all unite to take action against abuse, harassment and hate speech. We must
combat this blight on our sport. The expertise of Arwen.ai will be a key tool in this effort.”
Ben Sulayem had issued a strong statement addressing the disturbing trend of social media bullying on the
eve of the penultimate round of the Formula One World Championship in Brazil. He called for an end to social
media hate which has affected not only drivers, but FIA employees and fans as well.
From his end, Matt McGrory, the CEO of Arwen AI Ltd, commented on the new partnership, saying: “As a
business, Arwen.ai is committed to tackling the ever-increasing issue of online hate speech. No organisation or
its employees should be subjected to abuse, which can have a detrimental impact, both personally and
professionally.” He added: “Personally, I am proud to be extending our relationship in motorsport by
partnering with the FIA. We really look forward to helping FIA take positive action by removing these posts
across their social channels and not allowing toxicity to negatively impact the organisation and the
motorsport community as a whole.”
Arwen AI Ltd uses Artificial Intelligence tools to help businesses address the problems of abusive and
unwanted content on social media. It has worked with the Mercedes AMG, Oracle Red Bull and BWT Alpine
F1 teams, and with drivers such as George Russell. As a result of implementing Arwen AI, Mercedes AMG F1
Team saw toxic comments on their social channels reduced by 70%. This contributed to a safer and more
inclusive online community, where 29.4% of followers felt more confident to comment – no longer put off by
unsavoury content.
The FIA partnership with Arwen.ai is part of a wider campaign to be launched by the FIA in the coming weeks,
as the governing body is mobilising its 244 motoring and sporting organisations in 146 countries on 5
continents to take a stand. The FIA has entered into dialogue with social media platforms, governments and
fellow sports governing bodies in a commitment to joint action. Research will also be commissioned via the
FIA University into digital hate and toxic commentary specific to sport. This will provide a platform for
knowledge sharing, education and prevention.
“Everyone in our sport from the media, teams, drivers and fans has a role to play. The social media platform
owners also have a role to play. We cannot ignore this. We must call it out. It has to stop and I urge the entire
motorsport ecosystem to take a stand. Passions run high in sport, but online harassment, abuse and hate
speech must not be tolerated”, concludes Ben Sulayem.
Further details of the FIA campaign will be revealed by the FIA President during the Abu Dhabi Formula One
Grand Prix taking place at the Yas Marina Circuit later this month.
The Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix is the final round of the 22-round F1 Championship and is the biggest
annual sports and entertainment event in the Middle East.
With 70,000 spectators expected across each of the three days, this year was the fastest the race has sold out
since its inaugural weekend in 2009 despite adding new grand stands on the North Straight along with new
hospitality options including Deck at Nine, which were created to accommodate for the increased demand.