Circuit owners Red Bull and their world champion Max Verstappen joined Formula One on Sunday in condemning reported sexist, racist and homophobic behavior by spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said earlier on Instagram that he was “disgusted and disappointed” by what happened at the Red Bull Ring. Formula 1 issued a statement saying it had been made aware that some fans had been subjected to “totally unacceptable comments” from others in the crowd and such behavior would not be tolerated. “We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the event organizer and security and will speak to those who reported the incidents,” the Liberty Media-owned sport added. The race is hugely popular with Verstappen’s mostly Dutch fans, who set off orange flares and cheer on the championship leader who has won at the rural circuit four times in five years. There were reports on social media of drunken male fans harassing female spectators, homophobic chants and racist abuse. Verstappen won Saturday’s sprint race and started Sunday’s Grand Prix on pole, but finished second to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. “These things shouldn’t happen,” Verstappen said afterwards. “I read some shocking things. This is clearly not okay. I don’t even need to say that. There should be a general understanding that these things should not happen.” Red Bull boss Christian Horner called for a swift response from the authorities. “There is no place for that in racing or society as a whole,” he added. “We value inclusion and want a safe space for fans to enjoy our sport.” Mercedes driver Hamilton, who battled Verstappen for the title last year and condemned fans who cheered his finish on Friday, spoke before and after the race. “Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behavior at the track this weekend,” said the Briton, the sport’s only black driver. “Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of stress and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure races are safe places for everyone.” Hamilton urged anyone who witnesses such abuse to report it to circuit security. “We cannot stand back and allow this to continue,” he added. Speaking later, he said it was shocking to know fans suffered because of who they chose to support. “It’s crazy to think we’re still experiencing these things in 2022,” he told reporters. “It just highlights that it’s still an issue everywhere and it’s about education and ignorance. “It shouldn’t matter (about) your gender, your sexuality, the color of your skin. Everyone just needs to be here to have a great time.” Ferrari also spoke out on Twitter, saying “there is no place for abuse either verbally or physically against any group of people in sport. “We therefore stand with @F1 in stating that this behavior is completely unacceptable.”
