# Social media abuse must not stop drivers speaking

> Drivers speaking out on social media faces death threats, but they remain entitled to retract comments.
- Title: Social media abuse must not stop drivers speaking · RaceFans
- Summary: Drivers speaking out on social media faces death threats, but they remain entitled to retract comments. Lando Norris faced death threats after criticizing…
- Keywords: lando norris, franco colapinto, formula 1, social media, death threats, retract comments, sports, cars, Social, media, abuse, must
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/02/featured-comment-social-media-abuse-must-not-stop-drivers-speaking-their-minds
- Published: 2026-10-02T14:37:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lando norris, franco colapinto, formula 1, social media, death threats, retract comments, sports, cars
## Social media backlash
Lando Norris faced social media backlash after criticizing Franco Colapinto.
## Reader response
Reader @GongTong says Norris was not wrong to speak out despite online reactions.
## Driver training
Drivers are trained in PR to give empty statements like 'we will talk back at base'.
## Comment retraction
Norris retracted his comment made in the heat of the moment.
## Death threats
Online reactions included death threats which are illegal and disgraceful.
## What happens next
Norris calls for respect and humility after facing social media abuse.
## Key takeaway

Lando Norris faced death threats after criticizing Franco Colapinto but retains right to retract his comments.