In the past few weeks, several Formula 1 content creators have reported receiving cease and desist letters from the sport’s legal team, requiring them to change their usernames and remove any reference to "F1" from their branding. While it's crucial for any organization to protect its intellectual property and trademarks, Formula 1’s approach has sparked debate within the community. Many fans see these actions as overly aggressive and failing to acknowledge the significant value that content creators bring to the sport's growth.

Content creators have become unofficial ambassadors for Formula 1, particularly on social media platforms like Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram or Twitter. They invest many of their free hours in producing videos, posts, and podcasts that engage existing fans and attract new ones into the sport. By making F1 more accessible and relatable, especially to younger audiences who prefer online content, these creators have helped bridge the gap between traditional media and digital platforms. Additionally, they also build strong fan communities and share different viewpoints, making the sport more enjoyable for everyone.

However, Formula 1’s legal actions against these creators seem disproportionate, especially given that many are small, independent enthusiasts who lack the resources to rebrand without significant losses. In the past F1 teams event used to invite these small content creators to their car launches befor the start of a new season and they got nice content in return. So maybe instead of stifling this passion, Formula 1 could have explored collaborative opportunities. By establishing clear guidelines, forming creator partnerships, or assisting with rebranding efforts, F1 could protect its intellectual property while also supporting the vibrant online ecosystem that content creators have created. Embracing these creators as partners rather than enemies would not only protect the brand but also enhance its connection with fans and help to continue the growth for the sport.

Some of the most famous creators had already changed their username. For example "shelovesf1" changed her username to "shelovesvrooms" and shared a post, where fans showed her lot of support in the comments.