Formula 1 has certainly set the bar high in 2020, as it was able to organise a full racing season amid a pandemic. On top of that, the sport has taken giant steps forward from a communication standpoint, displaying openness and sensitivity towards social issues. It quickly became a valid platform to persuade the audience to strive for equality and end racism.

Although a number of drivers refused to take the knee before the race, all 20 participants have manifested their abidance and respect towards the sets of problems F1 intends to deal with. An effective message is therefore shared through television and social media linked to Formula 1, without any discrepancies nor unpleasant episodes.

Nowadays, in the era of social media and extreme swiftness there is very little room for forgiveness and mistakes. Any sort of condemnable or politically incorrect behaviour comes to the surface in a matter of seconds, and the stigma comes right after.

From Alessio Deledda’s Instagram story at the wheel to Nikita Mazepin’s inappropriate content and politically incorrect comments, a complete lack of sensitivity exudes from the characters of the aforementioned young drivers. The 25-year-old from Italy raced with Campos in Formula 3 and ultimately received backlash from social media after he shared a story while driving and dangerously overtaking cars. Deledda tried to justify his actions by stating that it was not him at the wheel and the purpose of such video was to denounce such irresponsible behaviour. As for Nikita Mazepin, he was at the centre of numerous controversies, which culminated in a story that portrayed him groping a model.

Aside from the possible excuses that both could come up with, the Mazepin and Deledda episodes flow into broader issues. Unqualifiable or light-hearted behaviour shall not be shared online as a sign of respect towards the Federation and the community drivers are interfacing with. As part of a brand, there are implications and regulations to comply with, and what has to be condemned in the first place is the flippant approach of drivers towards being public figures.

As for the moral side of all stories, what we lack is proper context. Apart from distancing ourselves from certain displays, we cannot do much. The issue stems from the mindset of whoever decides to allow people to adhere to negative stereotypes. If one of the main sources of Formula 1 news is the Internet, then all personalities involved need to be in tune with the times.

It is not up to the audience to know exactly what a driver is like in their private sphere, therefore Formula 1 and any other sporting series must at least limit the damage on the surface. If a driver cannot do it himself, let him have a filter. A social media manager, for instance.