Hamilton and Verstappen urge F1 fans not to repeat Austrian Grand Prix antics

30 June 2023 , 09:47

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Lewis Hamilton hopes last year's crowd trouble at the Austrian Grand Prix was a "one off" (Image: Sky Sports)

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have called on F1 fans to behave ahead of this year's Austrian Grand Prix following crowd trouble at last year's event.

There were numerous allegations of racism, homophobia and misogyny, which F1 branded "completely unacceptable" and led to them launching a 'Drive It Out' campaign in response. "We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the event," an F1 spokesperson said after last year's Austrian Grand Prix.

"We have raised this with the promoter and security and will be speaking to those who have reported these incidents and are taking this very seriously. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and all fans should be treated with respect."

Hamilton was also targeted by the crowd, which contained a number of Verstappen fans, with sections cheering when the Brit crashed during qualifying. Hamilton later slammed their actions and says he is hopeful what happened last year was just a "one off".

"Especially coming to such a beautiful place, it was definitely sad to hear what happened last year," the seven-time F! world champion said. "I do know that Formula 1 has taken action to make some changes here this weekend but I still feel there is work that needs to be done.

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"Ultimately, potentially the same group of people could turn up and we just need to be very strong in our stance of how we expect people to be within this space that's inclusive for anybody. I hope last year was a one off, fingers crossed."

Vertstappen, meanwhile, urged fans to cut back on alcohol and simply "enjoy" the race. "Don't get too drunk. Just watch the race, enjoy," he said. "It will be good to see them [the fans]. It's always nice to see the orange next to the track."

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, urged fans to cut back on alcohol consumption (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, McLaren driver Lando Norris has revealed he was robbed while on holiday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, with thieves breaking into the villa he was staying at with friends and stealing several "expensive" items. "We were out for dinner and our place got robbed," Norris said.

"A mixture of many things were stolen. Some were expensive and some were not so expensive. It is still an ongoing conversation so I cannot say too much."

The incident comes two years after Norris was robbed at Wembley while attending the Euro 2020 final, with a man putting him in a headlock while a second stole his unique £144,000 Richard Mille watch. A 25-year-old man faced trial over the theft back in March after his DNA was found on Norris' wrist, but he was ultimately found not guilty by a jury.

Matthew Cooper