Alain Prost’s Outburst
Recently, an interview with four-time Formula 1 world champion and former Scuderia Ferrari driver Alain Prost, published on the Motorsport Total website, caused quite a stir. During the conversation, the French legend revealed that he was considering leaving social media – Prost has an official Instagram account with over 300,000 followers – due to frequent online insults directed at him, some of which are linked to his historic rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
“I’m thinking of turning off my Instagram because I get messages every day [about Ayrton Senna], without exception. Occasionally, there’s one with insults, yes, that can happen,” admitted Prost.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem Defends Alain Prost
In defense of the now 70-year-old F1 legend, current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has long been an advocate for the international motorsport federation’s fight against online abuse, stepped in.
Among the many – and often controversial – stances that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has taken during his tenure, this one is certainly the most commendable. “Former world champion Alain Prost should not be driven away from social media due to online abuse,” wrote the president on his official Instagram account, posting a picture of him with the former Ferrari driver.
“His experience – he continued – highlights the harsh reality faced by men and women in sport at all levels: daily abuse, harassment, and even threats. Under my leadership and that of the FIA, United Against Online Abuse is developing educational, technological, and regulatory solutions necessary to protect drivers, race officials, and fans, to ensure that sport remains a place of fierce competition, but one that is fair and inclusive.” The message was appreciated by former Ferrari driver Alain Prost himself.
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