Despite copping vile social media abuse including death threats, Fabian Coulthard has been backed by his Supercars teammate Scott McLaughlin to overcome his Bathurst 1000 controversy at this weekend's Gold Coast 600.
McLaughlin last week hit out at on-line trolls, admitting Coulthard was "struggling" after copping the brunt of criticism for their Ford outfit DJR Team Penske's safety car tactics at Mount Panorama.
But ahead of the Gold Coast 600, McLaughlin claimed they had now developed a thick skin and anyone who couldn't handle social media criticism shouldn't be on it.
"Social media has been pretty heavy for him and the team, but what social media gives is a voice, everyone gets an opinion, and you have to allow that," McLaughlin said.