“It all boils down to education and ignorance,” adds Hamilton. People should be able to attend, feel comfortable and included, and be able to follow whomever they choose.
Formula One drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, have condemned alleged racial abuse at the Austrian Grand Prix.
F1 announced before Sunday’s race that it had received reports of verbal abuse from spectators.
It takes the allegations “extremely seriously” and will communicate with people who reported inappropriate conduct, it added.
It has also informed the event’s promoter and security personnel.
Third-place finisher Hamilton stated that ignorance was partial to a fault.
“It merely demonstrates that it is still an issue worldwide,” he said.
“It boils down to education and ignorance, of course. People should be able to attend, feel comfortable and included, and be able to follow anyone they choose to follow.
“[It] should not matter what your gender, sexual orientation, or skin color is. Everyone here should simply have a nice time.”
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was sold out for three days, with over 300,000 fans in attendance.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, stated that the reported abuse “shouldn’t occur,” adding, “I read a few surprising things, so that’s not acceptable.
Charles Leclerc, the winner of the race, stated that anyone who witnesses mistreatment should “do something,” adding, “If we can locate these individuals, we must take severe measures.” They should have no access whatsoever to our sport.”
Christian Horner, the leader of the Red Bull team, stated, “This behavior has no place in racing or society and we hope that security and the authorities take fast action.”
