F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Lashes Out At Austrian GP Crowd – “Disgusted”
Lewis Hamilton has once again spoken out on the behaviour of fans at the Austrian Grand Prix. Calling it “disgusting”, he posted a statement to his Instagram account.
There have been reports of fans getting involved in sexism, racism, and homophobia in the grandstands so far this weekend, and while Hamilton has already spoken out about fans cheering when drivers crash, he’s now spoken out about this.
The majority of fans have assembled to support fellow Dutch driver Max Verstappen at Red Bull’s home track, the Red Bull Ring.
“[I’m] disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend,” Hamilton posted to his Instagram.
“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.”
Lewis Hamilton has given his reaction to the claims of abusive behaviour among fans, insisting the sport "cannot sit back and allow this to continue." pic.twitter.com/CrPr8znFfx
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 10, 2022
Before Hamilton released his own statement, F1 released a statement, deeming this behaviour as “unacceptable”.
“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix,” it said.
“We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the promoter and event security, and will be speaking to those who reported the incidents.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”