Lewis Hamilton Rips Racist And Abusive F1 Fans At Austrian GP

F1 has been on a tear lately.

Soaring ratings, a growing fan base and a new U.S. media deal with ESPN have taken the league to new heights this season.

But over the weekend, ignorant fans at the Austrian Grand Prix marred the sport and conjured up old stereotypes that have traditionally plagued auto racing.

Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s first and only Black driver, ripped the abusive fans after his third-place finish on Sunday, stating he was “disgusted and disappointed.”

“Someone sitting in a crowd supporting someone and receiving abuse — it’s crazy to think we are experiencing those things still in 2022 so we have to continue to do more,” said Hamilton. “It just highlights it’s an issue all over and it comes down to education and, of course, ignorance. We all have to work together with our platforms to spread that positive word.”

Working together is what F1 pledged to do with its “We Race As One” initiative.

Unfortunately, some fans refused to abide by the true meaning of the phrase and instead chose to ruin it for others.

From homophobic and racist taunts to physical abuse of female fans, this group unapologetically spewed their hate and misogyny.

“People should come here, should feel safe, should feel included and should be able to follow whoever it is you want to follow,” added Hamilton. “It shouldn’t matter … your gender, your sexuality, the color of your skin. It should just be everyone here to have a good time.”

And Hamilton wasn’t the only one voicing their displeasure.

Formula One officials took note of the incidents and issued a statement regarding the behavior of the unruly fans.

“We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix. 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 behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

But based on the reports from Hamilton and others, event officials failed to take action when it was necessary.

According to The Guardian, one woman was brought to the Hamilton Mercedes team garage after notifying the team that she had been assaulted by fans.

“Five Dutch Max fans lifted up my dress and when I confronted them they said that no Hamilton fan deserves any respect at all,” said the victim.

Hamilton’s team principal at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, pulled no punches in response to the incidents.

“We just need to target these guys and pick them out,” he said. “This is what Formula One has said and we have said and that you need to report to the security if you can. And whoever reads my sentence: stay away, we don’t want you if you are part of that group. F**k off.”

Hamilton echoed Wolff’s sentiments and called out F1 for not properly supporting their “We Race as One” initiative.

“It’s time for action,” said the seven-time champion.

“We race as one was all well and good but it was just words, it didn’t do anything. There was no funding toward anything, there was no program to actually create change and spark that conversation. We need to utilize our platforms. We have to step up and action some of the things we are saying. Saying it is ‘unacceptable’ is not enough.”

The 2021 F1 champion, Max Verstappen, agreed with his rival. 

“These things shouldn’t happen,” said the reigning champion. “I read a few shocking things that are clearly not OK. I should not even need to say this, it should be a general understanding that these things shouldn’t happen.”

The next race is in France on July 24th, so we’ll see if F1 improves its security, reduces its tolerance for ignorance and makes a firm commitment to its initiative so that everyone in attendance can feel safe and welcome.