Many social media messages report homophobic, racist, and sexist insults directed at drivers and fans around the Red Bull Ring owned by Austria’s energy drink giant and the eponymous F1 Team.
Formula One released a statement on Sunday morning stating that it was aware of “some fans having been subjected [to] completely unacceptable comments by other fans” since Friday’s first practice.
“We discussed it with the (local) promoters and the security forces. We will talk to the people who reported these incidents. This is something we take very seriously. This behavior is unacceptable and will not tolerated. Formula One emphasizes that all fans must be treated with respect.
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, was very vocal in his support of the fight against racism. He posted on Instagram Sunday that he was “disgusted” to see that supporters were confronted with racist and homophobic behavior on the circuit this weekend.
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“Please report this to circuit security. “We cannot sit by and allow this to continue,” said the first black F1 champion.
Nearly 50,000 Dutch fans came in orange to support Max Verstappen (world champion) who races for Red Bull. During qualifying, some booed and whistled two Mercedes drivers, British Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Hamilton and Toto Wolff (Mercedes team boss), also criticized the behavior.
Wolff regretted Saturday that “it’s not very sporty.” He said, “When people cheer on a pilot who has an accident it makes one wonder if they have any knowledge of the sport and are aware of their attitudes.”
Wolff says, “Booing on a driver isn’t good either, since it’s a personal attack.” Fans who boo should try to imagine themselves in the shoes of the pilot.
