Throughout the weekend of the 2022 F1 Austrian GP, several fans have posted on social media about the harassment they have suffered, including the use of homophobic and racist slurs and other abusive comments .
Reports from fans reached Formula 1, which responded with a statement confirming that it would take further action.
“We have been informed that some fans have been subjected to totally unacceptable comments by other attendees at the event,” F1 said in the statement.
“We’ve raised it with the promoter and security guys and we’ll talk to those who have reported these incidents and we’re taking it very seriously.”
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All fans should be treated with respect.”
Among what was published on Twitter and Instagram are homophobic, sexist comments and humiliating treatment of Hamilton fans by Dutch fans.
Fan behavior had already been a major issue this weekend in Austria, after Lewis Hamilton’s accident during qualifying on Friday was celebrated by some of Max Verstappen’s supporters in the stands.
More than 50,000 Dutch fans have traveled to Austria for this weekend’s race, which will have a capacity of 105,000 on Sunday.
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Mark Sutton/Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Foto de: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Mark Sutton/Motorsport Images
Hamilton said he found it “amazing” that fans would celebrate an accident, especially without knowing the driver’s condition.
“I’m thankful I didn’t have to go to the hospital and I wasn’t seriously injured, but you should never cheer someone’s accident or someone’s injury,” Hamilton said.
“It shouldn’t have happened at Silverstone, although it wasn’t obviously an accident, and it shouldn’t have happened here.”
Verstappen was booed by fans during his post-qualifying interview at Silverstone last weekend, and they also celebrated a spin during that session.
“Booing is a personal attack on the driver,” said Mercedes director Toto Wolff . “The fans should put themselves in the position that the drivers are there and they’re being booed. I think that’s not right for the driver, or that Christian [Horner] was booed at Silverstone.
“I don’t think that’s right. So I hope we can talk common sense. We want the fans, we want them to be there, we want them to be emotional and passionate, but when it gets personal it shouldn’t happen.”
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on his Instagram following the statement: “I am disgusted and disappointed to hear of racist, homophobic and abusive behavior by some fans on the circuit over the weekend.”
“Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans, and something needs to be done to ensure that racing is a safe place for everyone,” he continued.
“Please, if you see this happening, inform track security and Formula 1. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue,” said the Briton.
