F1 Taking Reports of Fan Harassment, Abuse at Austrian Grand Prix 'Very Seriously'

Formula 1’s Austrian Grand Prix took place on Sunday amid an unsavory undertone following revelations overnight that several had been subject to harassment or abuse by others in attendance at the Red Bull Ring.

Formula 1 swiftly condemned the situation, insisting it would take matters up with the promoter, which in turn beefed up security where it could for Sunday. This wasn’t merely booing or jeering those supporting a rival driver, but malicious insults—some homophobic and racist in nature—and allegations of sexual abuse.

Aston Martin and Mercedes invited some fans who had been subjected to such abuse into their garage. One fan, who was invited into the Mercedes garage, alleged that she had her skirt lifted by other spectators. There was understandably widespread condemnation within the Formula 1 community and recognition that, while attitudes should and must change among some fans, promoters themselves also need stronger measures in place.

“It's horrible to see that,” said race winner Charles Leclerc. “If we manage to find these people, we need to take hard actions, they shouldn't be allowed to be anywhere close to our sport, I believe.”

Sebastian Vettel called for abuse to result in a ban from attending Grands Prix while Max Verstappen, whose supporters made up the majority of those in attendance, suggested that greater security and more regulation concerning alcohol sales would be a good step.

“These things shouldn't happen. I read a few things, a few shocking things,” said Verstappen. “I shouldn't even need to say this. I think this should be a general understanding that these things shouldn't happen. A normal human being, I think, should think like that and should behave like that.”

“It's crazy to think that we're experiencing those things still in 2022,” said Lewis Hamilton. “So, we have to continue to do more. It just highlights that it's still an issue all over. And it comes down to education, and, of course, ignorance. So, we all have to work together, with our platforms to spread that positive word, with all of our platforms, to all those people that are watching, because people should come here, should feel safe, should feel included.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the offenders as “a few amoebas—people with one (brain) cell” and while he suggested that outliers shouldn’t cast a shadow over all fans, those who do insult others need to be called out.

“There’s still too much (abuse), but we just need to target these guys and pick them out and say ‘you’. This is what Formula 1 has said and we have said and that you need to report to the security if you can. And whoever reads my sentence: stay away we don’t want you if you are part of that group."