Mercedes took the fan to the pits, where she reported the harassment. Team boss Toto Wolff emphasized that action needs to be taken
Mercedes took a commendable action during the Austrian Grand Prix. The team brought to the pits a Lewis Hamilton fan who was the victim of harassment in the stands at the Red Bull Ring. She reported that her dress was lifted, while she heard some 'fans' saying that she didn't deserve respect for liking the seven-time champion.
"We found out that this happened and this cannot happen," said team boss Toto Wolff in response to the RaceFans website. If you are a fan of Formula One, of any team, of any driver, you cannot be racist, sexist or homophobic because you don't fit in Formula One. We don't want you," he added.
Unfortunately, this was not an isolated case. Many women, especially, took to the networks to share how uncomfortable it has been to attend the racetrack 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, for example, a female fan on Twitter.
Earlier in the day, Lewis himself had already spoken out on the matter on his social networks. "Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racism, homophobia and all sorts of abusive behavior at the circuit this weekend. Attending the Austrian GP or any other should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans, and something needs to be done to ensure that races are safe environments for everyone. Please, if you saw this happen, report it to circuit safety and F1, we cannot sit back and allow this to continue," he wrote.
Formula One also took a position, confirming Hamilton's request. "We have become aware of reports that some fans have been targeted with 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 must be treated with respect," he assured.