The F2 driver expressed that new fans lack an understanding of racing.

      F1, F2, and F3 have responded to the recent controversies.

      Many newcomers to top-level single-seater racing struggle to grasp "how motorsport operates." This is the perspective of Formula 2 driver Richard Verschoor, who finds himself at the heart of the FIA's ongoing battle against online "hate." In light of recent hate campaigns directed at F1 drivers Jack Doohan and Yuki Tsunoda, two Formula 2 competitors have now faced severe online abuse. Following a first-lap collision in Monaco, Alex Dunne felt compelled to delete all social media applications from his phone and was visibly emotional while discussing the matter during a press conference in Barcelona. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Richard Verschoor revealed the threatening messages he received, including death threats, just "five minutes" after his incident with Arvid Lindblad.

      "Verschoor, you better run because I will chase you with a knife," he recited from one message while speaking to Ziggo Sport. "That's obviously not desirable," he added with a laugh. More seriously, he believes that the influx of new fans to motorsport is leading to a fundamental misunderstanding of the sport. "If you support a driver today, it seems to mean that you hate the rival, and I don't think that's correct," remarked Verschoor, who is familiar with fellow Dutchman Max Verstappen. "In my view, that's not how motorsport functions. The absence of home and away dynamics in our sport is a positive aspect. Everyone in the stands wears gear from Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, etc. A better atmosphere should be achievable."

      F1, F2, and F3 have issued a unified statement addressing the latest controversies, asserting their "strong condemnation of abuse and harassment in any form." The statement further confirmed their commitment to collectively address and report such abuse to social media platforms, emphasizing that "at the core of this are human beings." However, Verschoor expressed a desire for the same freedom to respond to the abuse he endures. "We are often silenced when we want to speak out, despite not being at fault," he stated. "We are prevented from addressing these issues, as it could provoke even more hate."

      Verschoor believes that many fans fail to recognize the toll that abuse takes on racing drivers. "I happened to sit next to Alex Dunne, who is currently ranked number 1 in Formula 2, during a press conference where several tough questions were asked. He broke down in tears, reminded of the messages he received after the crash in Monaco." Verschoor believes he is better equipped to handle the abuse compared to some of his peers. "That kid (Dunne) is just 19. Many of these drivers are very young. The types of messages they receive are quite extreme."