"Zero tolerance": four-time world champion wants those responsible for harassment episodes, reported by women in Austria, to be banned for life from returning to racetracks. Daniel Ricciardo also spoke about the subject and asked F1 to urgently propose measures to combat it
Following reports of harassment, racism and homophobia in the stands at last Sunday's Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, won by Charles Leclerc, Sebastian Vettel has called for the category to take strong action to protect the victims. According to the Aston Martin driver, a zero tolerance policy should be implemented, with those responsible for such acts banned from returning to racetracks forever.
"Horrible, isn't it? It's good that such reports are coming to light - this is the beginning - but it's horrible. These people should be ashamed of themselves and banned for life from motor racing events. There should be zero tolerance. If people go to the racetrack to drink a lot and enjoy themselves, then okay, but that doesn't justify inappropriate behavior. We Race as One,' so the fans are part of that too," said the four-time world champion.
Daniel Ricciardo agreed with his teammate and repudiated such events in Spielberg, calling for urgency from Formula 1 in proposing measures to combat acts of harassment, racism and homophobia.
"To be honest, I learned only after the race that some victims are in the paddock, so let's greet them and give them a little love. I hate negativity, I don't like to talk about negative news, but if such things are happening, it's unfortunate. I was asked about the booing and celebrations when Lewis (Hamilton) crashed and I understand that everyone is having fun, drinking beers and being a bit 'rowdy'. But there is a limit to everything," said the McLaren driver.
"Obviously, harassment doesn't fit even close to being something okay. It's unfortunate. (Harassment) makes the weekend, from start to finish, not as fun as it should be. So let's try to do what we can to help some of the victims. I haven't read the F1 statement, but I hope it is firm. You have to take these things seriously," added the Australian.
Formula One and Lewis Hamilton had already spoken publicly about the reports of harassment. The category said it was aware of the events and promised to take action for what it called "unacceptable behavior," while the seven-time world champion said he was "disgusted." Red Bull also spoke out - the home team took a public stance and called for action from the responsible authorities.
The behavior of the fans in Austria had already drawn attention in qualifying for the sprint race. During Q3, as soon as Lewis Hamilton crashed, the stands were euphoric.
However, 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 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.
"Can I also say it's horrible. Not even 1h30 of 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 the social network.
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."
