F1 address abusive behavior by some fans at Austrian GP


SPIELBERG, Austria –

Formula 1 says it will discuss the “unacceptable” behavior of some abusive fans at the Austrian Grand Prix with the race organizer.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, F1 said it had received reports from other fans who said they had reportedly been subjected to insults and offensive comments.

“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have received totally unacceptable comments from others at the Austrian Grand Prix,” F1 said in a statement. “We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the organizer and event security and will be speaking to those who reported the incidents.”

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was sold out with 300,000 spectators over three days.

F1 said the abusive behavior of some fans was “unacceptable and will not be tolerated” and carried a message on its screens at track reading “Enjoy the race, be respectful and have fun”.

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton urged fans to report bad behavior.

“Participating in the Austrian Grand Prix or any other GP should never be a source of fear and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure the races are safe places for all,” he wrote on his Instagram page. “Please if you see this report it to track security and F1. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue.”