Formula 1 will investigate allegations that some spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix suffered discriminatory abuse.
Lewis Hamilton was among those calling for action, saying he was “disgusted and disappointed” by the reports.
He added: “Something has to be done to make sure races are a safe space for everyone.
Formula 1’s statement read: “We take these issues very seriously, have raised them with promoters and event security, and will speak to those who reported them.”
It added that the reported behavior was “unacceptable and will not be tolerated”.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “We are shocked to learn that there has been a number of incidents of abuse in the stands and fan parks. This is absolutely impossible. acceptable and we hope that the security and the authorities will deal with this quickly as there was no place for it in the race or the society as a whole.
“We value inclusion and want a safe space for fans to enjoy our sport.”
Ferrari added in a Twitter post: “There is no room for verbal or physical abuse against any group of people in sport. We therefore join F1 in declaring that this conduct is completely unacceptable.”
‘Fans should be banned for life’ – driver’s reaction
Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel says Formula 1 should take a “zero tolerance” stance on discriminatory abuse after the race and introduce a lifetime ban on any fan who is caught. guilty.
“I thought it was good that this thing came out, it was the start, but it was horrible,” said the four-time world champion, who finished 17th at the Red Bull Ring.
“Whoever these people are, they should be ashamed of themselves and they should be banned from racing for their lives.
“I think there should be no tolerance. If people have a good time and drink too much it’s okay, but that doesn’t justify or excuse misconduct.
“We race as one, so the fans are part of that.”
The top three racers in Austria were also asked to give their thoughts on what the sport should do to address any inappropriate behavior fans experience during a race weekend.
Winner Charles Leclerc said: “As Formula 1, if we find these people we need to take tough action, they are not allowed to come near our sport.
Max Verstappen, who finished second in front of a huge crowd at Red Bull’s home ground, said one problem could lie in drinking during the three-day event.
The Dutchman added: “I think one thing could be improved, maybe with security around places, you know, to keep people checking more.
“And don’t forget, it’s not an excuse, but of course, they watch the races and then they go back to partying and having fun and drinking. And sometimes drinking, you can do things. stupid.’ don’t say this as an excuse but these things can also be adjusted.”
Hamilton added that it was not enough to continue the message of inclusion in Formula 1.
“We Race as One is all well and good, but those are just words,” said the seven-time world champion. “It doesn’t really do anything; there’s no funding for anything; there’s no show that really makes the change and sparks that conversation.
“So there’s definitely a need to use our platforms…we really have to step up and really start doing some of the things we’re talking about.”
Hamilton criticizes fan collision response
Earlier in the weekend, Hamilton criticized spectators at the Red Bull Ring who cheered when he crashed in qualifying.
Hamilton played at Turn Seven, close to a crowd filled with Dutch fans of his 2021 champion rival Max Verstappen.
“I went through a lot in the crash, but to hear it later, you know… I don’t agree with any of it, no matter what,” he said.
“A driver may have been hospitalized, and would you cheer for that?”
The incident left Hamilton 10th in qualifying, although he was promoted to 9th in the grid for Saturday’s sprint event following a penalty for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, which made it past the third qualifying round. eight and took third place in Sunday’s race.
Speaking after the sprint, Hamilton added: “It’s great that people will do it, knowing how dangerous our sport is. I’m grateful that I didn’t have to be hospitalized and I’m not. seriously injured.
“You should never cheer for someone’s downfall or someone’s trauma.”
