Formula 1 in Spielberg
After racist and sexist insults last year: Verstappen warns Dutch fans against too much alcohol
Max Verstappen advises less alcohol. But it is questionable whether this will eliminate the sexism problem in Formula 1.
© Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Formula 1 is making a guest appearance in Spielberg, Austria. Last year, mostly Dutch fans attracted attention with massive sexist and homophobic insults. World champion Max Verstappen is therefore making an appeal to his compatriots.
The incidents from last year are having an effect: Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has urged his supporters not to drink too much alcohol during the race weekend in Spielberg, Austria. “Don’t get too drunk, watch the Grand Prix and enjoy it,” said the World Championship leader ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, which starts on Friday with the first practice session and qualifying. Traditionally, there are a lot of Dutch fans in Spielberg.
At the race in the summer of 2022, there were bad incidents in the grandstands and on the grounds. Dutch supporters in particular had misbehaved when they were heavily intoxicated. Numerous racist, homophobic and sexist insults were heard. Women reported on social media about a veritable gauntlet run in the stands, where mainly male Dutch fans, heavily drunk, whistled at the women and some men, made lewd remarks or touched them in an abusive manner.
Elderly drunk men harassed ice cream vendor
For example, a girl who sold ice cream was constantly being harassed by older drunk men. Another woman reported that her skirt had been pulled up. Fans who wore the rainbow colors were mobbed.
The reports made it known to a broader public for the first time that there had been problems with drunk fans in Spielberg for years. Spielberg is not an isolated case. Such incidents happened again and again at other Grands Prix, reported the British journalist Helena Hicks. The British founded the online platform ” in 2018Females in Motorsports“, to campaign for a higher proportion of women in motorsport. Numerous testimonials from female fans were also received on the website after the race in Spielberg.
Formula 1: Incidents were massive
The incidents in Spielberg were apparently so massive that they became an issue for the first time. Those responsible for Formula 1 felt compelled to issue a statement. The matter will be discussed with the race promoter and the responsible security, “and we will speak to those who have reported the incidents. We take this very seriously. Such behavior will not be tolerated, all fans should be treated with respect”. Stricter rules and more security personnel at Red Bull’s home race have been announced for this year.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton also said before the Grand Prix weekend: “I hope last year was a one-off incident,” said the British Mercedes driver, adding: “I know that measures have been taken, but you can always be sure do more.”
Sources: DPA, “Mirror“, “German wave“, “Total motorsport“