Charles Leclerc calls for F1 response after vile social media attacks on Mick Doohan. Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly speak out against online abuse in F1.

Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc has called on Formula 1 fans to uphold a standard of respect following a recent wave of social media abuse sparked by a false post involving Franco Colapinto and Mick Doohan. The Ferrari driver emphasized the growing toxicity online and urged fans to remain civil regardless of their allegiances within the sport.

The controversy began after Franco Colapinto suffered a crash during qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. A fake Instagram story, appearing to come from Mick Doohan, was circulated on social media. The post seemed to mock Colapinto, who had replaced Mick’s son, Jack Doohan, in the Alpine junior programme. Despite the fact that Mick Doohan never posted such content, the false narrative spread rapidly, prompting abuse and backlash before the account responsible issued an apology.

In the wake of the incident, Jack Doohan released an official statement to distance himself and his father from the fabricated post. The situation escalated further after another incident involving Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda, leading FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to also weigh in, condemning the behavior and reinforcing the need for respect in the racing community.

Commenting on the matter during media duties, Charles Leclerc expressed his disappointment with the way the situation unfolded. He said he was not fully aware of every detail but felt strongly that the spread of false information and online hostility was unacceptable. Leclerc recalled how he grew up admiring Formula 1 for the passion and mutual respect shared by fans, even those supporting rival teams, and stated that this sense of respect should never be lost—especially in today’s environment, where misinformation spreads more easily.

He stressed that social media had amplified toxic behavior in recent years and warned that false narratives like the one involving Mick Doohan could quickly spiral out of control. In his view, the fundamental principle that must guide fan behavior is respect—for the drivers, their families, and everyone involved in the sport.

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, who works closely with both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, echoed Charles Leclerc’s sentiments. He reinforced the idea that abuse of any kind has no place in Formula 1 or in sport more broadly. Gasly highlighted the close-knit and generally respectful nature of the F1 community and lamented the recent turn toward online hostility.

Gasly reminded fans that behind every name on the grid are real people—drivers, engineers, mechanics, and families—who all deserve dignity and understanding. He urged the public to remember that respect must always come first, and that the sport should remain a space of support and unity, rather than division and hate.

This incident has brought renewed attention to the need for responsible online behavior in F1 fandom, with leading figures like Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly using their platforms to advocate for positive change.