Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen condemn reports of fan abuse as Formula 1 launches investigation

“Disgusted and disappointed to learn that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behavior on the circuit this weekend,” said Lewis Hamilton; Max Verstappen, Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel also criticize the reports; F1 launches investigation into ‘unacceptable’ abuse

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and circuit owners Red Bull have joined F1 in condemning abusive fan behavior at the Austrian Grand Prix.

After a number of allegations emerged on social media from people attending this weekend’s race at Spielberg, F1 has launched an investigation into reports that fans were victimized “completely unacceptable” abuse.

Hamilton responded ahead of Sunday’s race on Instagram that he was “disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behavior at the circuit this weekend”.

“Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure the races are safe spaces for all.”

After finishing third he added: “I came in with a really positive mindset this morning and then I heard some of the things that were said. I was in shock and really sad. People are coming to celebrate, have a good time and enjoy a great experience.

“In the UK there is a wide range of fans, but here you have a lot of Orange Army. Knowing that someone sitting in a crowd, supporting someone else, is being abused , it’s crazy to think that we’re going through this stuff in 2022.

“We need to do more and it shows that it’s still a problem everywhere and it comes down to education.

“We need to work together to use our platforms to spread this positive message because people should come here and feel safe and included.

“You should be able to follow anyone. It shouldn’t matter your gender, your sexuality or the color of your skin.”

The Mercedes driver Hamilton fought Verstappen for the title last year and condemned fans who cheered his qualifying crash on Friday.

Sixty thousand fans had traveled from Holland to turn this weekend’s race into a home event for Verstappen.

Verstappen said: “It’s not good and these things shouldn’t happen.

“I’ve read a few shocking things and it’s clearly not OK. I shouldn’t need to say it, it should be a general understanding that it shouldn’t happen. A normal human being shouldn’t think like that or behave like that.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has called for a swift response from authorities.

“There is no place for that in racing or in society as a whole,” he added. “We value inclusion and want a safe space for fans to enjoy our sport.”

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has said abusive fans should be banned from future races.

The Aston Martin driver, 35, said: “Whoever these people are, they should be ashamed of themselves and they should be banned from racing events for their lives.”

An earlier statement from F1 read: “We have been made aware of reports that some fans were the subject of completely unacceptable comments from others during the Austrian Grand Prix.

“We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the promoter and event security, and will speak to those who have reported the incidents. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”