F1 chiefs investigating conduct of fans at Austrian Grand Prix
Amid claims of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse, Formula One released a statement on Sunday to address the allegations.
Formula One chiefs are investigating “unacceptable” behaviour from spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The conduct of fans at the Red Bull Ring this weekend has been in the spotlight after many cheered a crash involving Lewis Hamilton in qualifying on Friday.
Mercedes driver Hamilton hit out at the “mind-blowing” reaction of supporters, which are mainly made up of Max Verstappen followers at Red Bull’s home race.
It comes a week after Verstappen was jeered by a section of the grandstands at the British Grand Prix, where Hamilton is a home favourite.
Sexist and homophobic abuse
The race weekend at Spielberg has also seen reports of sexist and homophobic abuse, as well as other forms of harassment.
F1 addressed those allegations in a statement released ahead of the main event on Sunday.
“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix,” the statement read.
“We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the promoter and event security, and will be speaking to those who reported the incidents.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Verstappen will start Sunday’s race on pole after winning Saturday’s sprint, while Hamilton – still seeking his first victory of the 2022 campaign – is down in eighth.