LEWIS HAMILTON wants social media companies to do more to stop online abuse after fellow F1 driver Nicholas Latifi received death threats following the Abu Dhabi GP.
Latifi crashed his Williams in the final few laps of the season finale with Hamilton leading and coasting to victory.
Hamilton wants to ‘apply pressure’ on social media companies to do something about online hate
Latifi hired bodyguards for a trip to London after online abuse
However, the Canadian’s smash and resulting safety car period was the catalyst for FIA Race Director Michael Masi to manipulate the rules.
The result was Max Verstappen was allowed a clear shot at Hamilton and passed the Brit on his way to glory – sparking a controversial end to the season.
Despite being blameless, Latifi still received death threats and Hamilton, who receives his own abuse online, says that should not be tolerated.
He said: “Ultimately, I don’t think there’s been a huge change or shift, or enough work that’s been done by these social platforms.
“We still have to apply pressure for them to make changes. Mental health is a real thing and through these social platforms, people are experiencing abuse.
“No one deserves that and that should never be tolerated.
“They [social media companies] are able to change these things and make changes, but they don’t seem to do it quick enough. I think we just need to continue to apply pressure.”
Latifi was so affected he hired bodyguards for a sightseeing trip to London with his girlfriend.
Hamilton added: “I was in touch with Nicholas, he has my full support and I know how difficult it can be in those situations.
“It’s important for him to know he has support from people around him.”
Latifi’s crash in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix led to the controversial ending
F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
