Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton strongly condemned some fans’ behaviour during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
On Sunday, statements from F1 and circuit owner Red Bull were issued after reports of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse were hurled between the respective fans of the two world champions on social media.
This also came after many in Verstappen’s ‘Orange Army’ cheered when Hamilton crashed during qualifying on Friday.
“Of course, it is not good,” the reigning world champion said post-race.
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“All the things that happened, these things shouldn’t happen. I read a few shocking things so that is clearly not okay.
“I shouldn’t even need to say this – there should be a general understanding that these things shouldn’t happen. A normal human being should think and behave like that.”
While not offering an “excuse” for the behaviour, Verstappen suggested one way to avoid such behaviour is by limiting alcohol at circuits.
“The one thing that can be improved is maybe with security in places, to keep people in check, supervisors,” he said.
“Also, don’t forget – and this is not an excuse – but they watch the races and then go back and party and have fun, drink alcohol. Sometimes when you drink alcohol, you can do stupid things – I don’t say this as an excuse – but these things can be regulated.
“There is a certain amount of alcohol, maybe, before it is time to go to bed, wake up the next morning and be sober because if you start to go really crazy, you can do stupid things.”
Adding his view, Lewis Hamilton was straight to the point.
“[I’m] disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend,” he said.
“Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure that races are safe spaces for all.
“Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1, we cannot sit back and allow this to continue.”
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 10, 2022
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, himself an Austrian, had the strongest message to those fans hurling the abuse.
“F**k off,” he said as per ESPN. “If you are part of that category, f**k off.
“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 security if you can.
“And whoever reads my sentence: stay away, we don’t want you if you are part of that group.”
In the wake of last year’s controversial championship battle, any comments section on social media will show how poor the relationship is between Verstappen and Hamilton fans.
And Wolff was clear that F1 doesn’t need to follow the path of other sports where rival fans cannot co-exist together.
“I think it’s just people being stupid,” he said. “I have no other explanation for people abusing – in whatever way, sexist, hedonistic, homophobic or racist – you are just simply brainless. And no alcohol can excuse that.
“The sport polarises and triggers emotions, we want that. We shouldn’t condemn all of them but put these few idiots out.
“We mustn’t come across as though we are condemning a group of fans because we are not.
“I have seen them climbing on the fences and when Lewis stood up I looked at them and nobody was booing, and they were hardcore and drank and there was still no booing.
“There are a few amoebas – people with one cell – but let’s not make it a general thing.”
