Many women experienced harassment at the Red Bull Ring during this weekend. Racist and homophobic insults were also reported by fans in Austria
Formula 1 has spoken out after several people present at the Red Bull Ring, which hosts the Austrian GP this weekend, reported on social networks cases of harassment against women, racist and homophobic insults coming from some fans. The category said it was aware of the events and promised to take action for what it called "unacceptable behavior."
The behavior of the fans in Austria - the vast majority supporting Max Verstappen and thus the home team - had already drawn attention in qualifying for the sprint race. During Q3, as soon as Lewis Hamilton crashed, the stands became euphoric. The Mercedes driver rebuffed the attitude.
But what happens at the Spielberg circuit is not just a matter of rivalry between teams. Many women, especially, took to the networks to share how uncomfortable it has been to go to the circuit to follow F1. "The behavior has been so... disappointing. My expectations were already not very good, but gee, racism, swearing, harassment... the list goes on," wrote one female fan on Twitter.
"Can I also say it's horrible. Not even 1h30 into the event since I arrived in the morning and I already received misogynistic comments. Then it was downhill, inappropriate touches and other misogynistic comments," said another fan also on social media.
On Instagram, the profile "Team LH Netherlands", in support of Hamilton, shared an absurd situation reported by a fan of the Englishman present at the Red Bull Ring. "I felt it, as a Hamilton fan amidst the orange army. Yesterday, a group of five Dutchmen, Max fans, lifted my dress and when I confronted them, they said Hamilton fans didn't deserve any respect."
In a statement, F1 promised to take action. "We have become aware of reports that some fans have been targets of completely unacceptable comments coming from other fans during the event. We have raised this with the [race] promoter and local security and will listen to anyone who has reported such incidents and is taking it very seriously. This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All fans should be treated with respect," he assured.