Several high profile firms have been criticised for comments made online following F1 racing drive Jules Bianchi life-threatening crash last Sunday.
The tragic accident in Suzuka on Sunday, which has left the French racer fighting to recover from major head injuries, overshadowed the race, but some companies were seemingly guilty of misjudging the mood of the public.
The first involved another team in Formula One. Taking to Twitter almost immediately after Marussia driver Bianchi had careered into the recovery vehicle, the Lotus Formula One team tweeted to its paddock rival:
“Cheer up”
With the serious nature of the accident coming to light minute-by-minute, an apology was soon issued with the offending post being removed, which read:
“Apologies for tweet, @Marussia_F1Team, we hadn’t see the incident, hope all is well.”
Also coming in for a backlash and forced into an apology for its actions was global logistics and courier provider DHL.
Taking to its Facebook newsfeed, the delivery firm posted a tweet asking for likes to its feed in return for sending good wishes to the 25-year-old driver.
Posted on Sunday evening hours after the unconscious Bianchi had been taken to hospital, the tweet read:
“Ghastly accident in Japan. Jules Bianchi is fighting for his life.
“By clicking ‘Like’ on this occasion, you’ll be sending Jules your best wishes for a speedy recovery. #ForzaJules”
With criticism and fury immediate, the tweet was eventually taken down on Monday morning with the firm apologising for the offence caused.
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