“Look at this, look at this cuckold of a Chinese,” Venticello, a character from Tomas Milian’s detective films, might have said upon reading the words of a Chinese GP organizer against Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver was singled out by Pan Yongyong, a well-known commentator from the Land of the Dragon and one of the organizers of the Grand Prix.
“I have never wished so much for Charles to have diarrhea,” read one of his social media posts, immediately sparking outrage among his followers.
The unfortunate remark was not limited to Ferrari’s #16 but also extended to other drivers: “Hamilton, Leclerc, and even a Giovinazzi suddenly feeling sick in Shanghai?”
Pan Yongyong, also known by the nickname “Arctic Shrimp,” has had a long career as a commentator and analyst of Formula 1 and MotoGP races. He currently holds a key role in organizing events in the country of the Great Wall.
“Brothers, give me two minutes of explanation on why F1 drivers skip a race. I want to see if there’s a chance for Shanghai,” Pan concluded.
His post provoked outrage online from motorsport fans and Charles Leclerc supporters. Beyond being a poor example of journalistic ethics, the commentator’s words also raised doubts about his professionalism.
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What was Pan Yongyong aiming for with this provocation? Behind his macabre wish might lie the desire to see Guanyu Zhou take the starting grid in place of one of the regular drivers. The Chinese driver, a former Sauber competitor, is Ferrari’s third driver this year. Racing in his home Grand Prix would be a great opportunity, but this is not the way to wish for it.
Pan Yongyong’s comments are particularly shocking in a context where F1 is working to expand its popularity in Asia. One can only hope that such provocations do not stir up Chinese fans against Ferrari’s drivers. After a disastrous weekend in Australia, the Scuderia needs a fresh start, and avoiding further mistakes will be crucial.
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