Long Term Formula One Sponsor DHL Forced To Apologise After Post On Jules Bianchi Draws Criticism
Global logistics company and long term Formula One racing sponsor DHL has been forced to make an apology after a post on one of its Facebook pages caused some backlash. The post in question was a call for support, or in this case "likes," to a photo showing support for injured Formula One driver Jules Bianchi.
Bianchi, who drives for the Marussia Formula One Team, was severely injured in an accident during the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit last Sunday. Following his accident, an outpouring of support came in through social media from all over the world including his fans and from his colleagues on the grid.
DHL has been a long-term supporter of Formula One. The logistics company is involved in transporting many of the required equipment to stage a Grand Prix to different countries around the globe. Following the accident, one of DHL's Facebook pages, this one called Formula 1 Backstage by DHL, posted a photo of the downed driver and called for likes in support.
Some netizens deemed this to be insensitive and accused the company of using Bianchi's misfortune as a publicity stunt. The post has since been removed and an apology has been posted in its place.
"Based on feedback we've received about a post on Sunday regarding Jules Bianchi, we have removed the post and would wish to apologise for any offence caused." the post began. It then went on to elaborate that they had not asked for likes for their page and it was not their intention to promote the company.
"it was never our aim to promote the site or DHL but was meant simply as a gesture of support for Jules Bianchi," the post continued. They also admitted that they realise how the post could be misinterpreted and seen in a bad light. They assured readers that their social media team had no ill intentions.
Comments on the post proved to be positive and it seems like DHL had averted a potentially big media backlash and marketing nightmare. Just yesterday, they posted yet again in relation to the incident but this time putting emphasis on their concern for the driver ahead of this weekend's race in Russia.
Bianchi has undergone head surgery immediately following his crash. He remains in a Japanese hospital where he is described to be in a stable but critical condition. The rest of the Formula One Community and fans from around the world are still waiting for good news.