Lewis Hamilton has expressed his hopes that last year’s crowd trouble at the Austrian Grand Prix was an isolated incident and has urged Formula 1 to take decisive action against any similar issues in the future.
As Formula 1 returns to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg this weekend, memories of the 2022 race, marred by allegations of sexist catcalling, inappropriate behavior towards female fans, and instances of homophobic and racist abuse, resurface.
The presence of Dutch fans, supporting Max Verstappen, was particularly associated with many of the reported incidents. While F1 initiated the Drive It Out campaign in July 2022 to address abuse and promote respect, Hamilton believes more work needs to be done to ensure an inclusive and respectful atmosphere for everyone.
Verstappen, currently leading the drivers’ standings, also advised his supporters to behave responsibly and enjoy the race without excessive drinking.
