Formula 1 investigates ‘unacceptable’ behavior Dutch race fans in Austria

NOS Sports†today, 13:55

Formula 1 is going to see whether it can do something about the “unacceptable” behavior of predominantly Dutch race fans around grand prixs. This weekend, around the Austrian Grand Prix, various reports were received of, among other things, racism and sexism.

“This behavior is non-negotiable and will not be tolerated. All fans must be treated with respect,” Formula 1 said in a statement. “We take this very seriously. We are going to talk to the people who made these reports.”

According to the reports, it is mainly the Dutch fans who are guilty of this behaviour. About 60,000 Dutch people are present at the Spielberg circuit this weekend, where there is room for 105,000 spectators.

A user on Twitter https://twitter.com/MotoMel89/status/1545900154343100421 quite a few reports of incidents on the track in Austria.

A group of Max Verstappen fans became discredited last Friday when they greeted a crash of Lewis Hamilton with cheers. “I consider myself lucky that I did not end up in hospital, but an injury or a crash should never be celebrated,” said the Briton.

“These are not real fans of Formula 1, they don’t like the sport,” Verstappen told The Guardian on Saturday about the behavior of his supporters. “They can’t enjoy what’s going on at the moment: quite a few drivers are now competing with each other.”

Last week at the Grand Prix of Great Britain, it was also hit when Verstappen in turn received a whistle concert from the British race fans after free practice.

Svenja Tillemans of the Formula 1 Women, a Dutch fan club for women, condemns the above-mentioned incidents in Austria. “This has been happening in Formula 1 for years. Some men act as if we do not belong there and do not understand it. I also notice that on social media,” says Tillemans.

“But it has to do with alcohol to a large extent”, Tillemans knows. “No alcohol is served at the Barcelona Grand Prix and the atmosphere was good there. I think they should start with that in Austria.”