'We cannot sit back and allow this to continue' - Lewis Hamilton 'disgusted' to hear reports of fan abuse
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Updated 10/07/2022 at 15:21 GMT+1
“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the event,” a statement from Formula One read after allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic comments at the Austrian Grand Prix. “This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and all fans should be treated with respect.”
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Lewis Hamilton said he is "disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour" at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
There have been allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse in Spielburg, with a number of supporters taking to Twitter to detail their experiences at the event, including both verbal and physical harassment of female fans. Some of the experiences date back to last year’s race.
Formula One has said it is investigating after ‘reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments’.
“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the event,” a statement from F1 read.
“We have raised this with the promoter and security and will be speaking to those who have reported these incidents and are taking this very seriously.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and all fans should be treated with respect.”
Reacting to the incidents, Hamilton posted on Instagram: "Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour 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 that races are safe spaces for all.
"Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1. We cannot sit back and allow this continue."
Catherine Bond Muir, CEO of W Series, the all-female single-seater series that supports several F1 grand prix, wrote on Twitter: “And I thought we were making lots of progress for women in motorsport. This is an important tweet. All circuits should be a safe environment for everyone.”
Racing Pride tweeted: "Racing Pride is very concerned by the reports of harassment and discrimination, including of LGBTQ+ people, occurring at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. #F1 should be a safe place for everyone, and we call on the organisers to investigate this fully and immediately."
Females in Motorsport also took to social media to release a statement, which read: "We are disappointed and saddened to hear many reports of sexist, racist and homophobic behaviour displayed by some fans at the #AustrianGP. There is still a lot of work to be done and we will keep on fighting your corner."
W Series driver Alice Powell said: "I'm actually shocked to read about the awful experiences some women are experiencing in the grandstands at the Austria Grand Prix. Can't people just be nice to each other and enjoy watching some racing, regardless of gender and sexuality. Blows my mind."
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