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The grandstands at the race weekend in Spielberg (symbol image)
Photo: IMAGO/Mark Sutton / IMAGO/Motorsport Images
The Austrian Grand Prix has been overshadowed by numerous reports of sexism, sexual harassment, homophobic and racist remarks in the grandstands in Spielberg.
Formula 1 also responded in an official statement on Sunday morning.
"We have been made aware that some fans have been subjected to completely unacceptable comments," it said.
The matter will be discussed with the race promoter and the responsible security, “and we will speak to those who have reported the incidents.
We take this very seriously.
Such behavior will not be tolerated, all fans should be treated with respect."
»Visiting a Grand Prix should never cause worry or pain«
Numerous women had reported on social media about running the gauntlet in the stands, which were mostly occupied by men, and that homophobia and racism were also a big problem there.
These experiences also extended to the huge campsites around the route and would have been part of everyday life in Spielberg in recent years.
The women reported on Twitter, among other things, whistles, so-called catcalling.
The perpetrators are said to be mostly Dutch fans.
A girl selling ice cream was constantly being harassed by older drunk men.
A female Lewis Hamilton fan was reportedly told by Verstappen supporters that they didn't deserve any respect.
Such descriptions could not initially be verified.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram on Sunday that he was "disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans were confronted with racist, homophobic and generally offensive behavior".
»Visiting a Grand Prix should never cause worry or pain.
Something needs to be done to make the races safe.”
Hamilton commented on what happened after the race again.
He was shocked and sad, he explained after finishing third: "Now is the time to act." Other racing drivers also commented on the incidents.
That was unacceptable, stressed Spielberg winner Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.
"I've read some shocking things, that's not okay," added Red Bull World Champion Max Verstappen.
According to its own statements, Formula 1 is already in contact with the organizer and the security service.
ara/sid/dpa
