F1 responds after Austrian Grand Prix abuse claims

Austrian Grand Prix

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F1 responds after Austrian Grand Prix abuse claims

F1 will raise the issue with the Austrian Grand Prix promoters

Sam Hall

Sunday 10 July 2022 10:47 Updated: 11:14

F1 has reacted to reports of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix that have emerged on social media.

The behaviour of certain fans has already been called into question this weekend after there were cheers from the grandstands when Lewis Hamilton crashed during qualifying.

The seven-time world champion said it was "mindblowing" that fans of the sport could celebrate a driver crashing.

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But the situation has developed into something more serious with other spectators now reporting instances of abuse via social media.

Fans have complained of homophobic abuse, racial slurs and catcalling amongst other issues.

In a statement, F1 has confirmed that it will not tolerate this 'unacceptable behaviour'.

"We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix," said F1.

"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."