F1 addresses abusive behaviour of some fans at Austrian GP

SPIELBERG, Austria –

Formula One says it will discuss the “unacceptable” behaviour of some abusive fans at the Austrian Grand Prix with the race promoter.

F1 said prior to Sunday’s race that it has received reports from other fans who said they were reportedly subjected to slurs and abusive comments.

“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix,” F1 said in a statement. “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.”

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg has been sold out with 300,000 fans attending over three days.

F1 said the abusive behaviour of some fans “is unacceptable and will not be tolerated” and carried a message on its screens at the track saying “enjoy the racing, be respectful and have fun.”

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

“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,” he wrote on his Instagram page. “Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue.”