Controversy, social media, and formula One: examining #VoidLap58

Abstract

The sport of Formula One racing is classically characterized by speed, glamor, and ever-present controversy. In recent times, the conclusion of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix likely stands as the most prominent controversy in the twenty-first-century guise of the sport. Decisions made by then–race director Michael Masi led to a wave of outrage and disbelief among fans, sparking the emergence of the #VoidLap58 hashtag. To understand the complexity of fan dynamics within online Formula One communities, I examine the interplay between fan participation, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the polarization of the fandom, highlighting the role that fans play in crafting narratives.