Soaring ratings, a growing fan base and a new U.S. media deal with ESPN have taken the league to new heights this season.
But over the weekend, ignorant fans at the Austrian Grand Prix marred the sport and conjured up old stereotypes that have traditionally plagued auto racing.
Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s first and only Black driver, ripped the abusive fans after his third-place finish on Sunday, stating he was “disgusted and disappointed.”
“Someone sitting in a crowd supporting someone and receiving abuse — it’s crazy to think we are experiencing those things still in 2022 so we have to continue to do more,” said Hamilton. “It just highlights it’s an issue all over and it comes down to education and, of course, ignorance. We all have to work together with our platforms to spread that positive word.”
Working together is what F1 pledged to do with its “We Race As One” initiative.
Unfortunately, some fans refused to abide by the true meaning of the phrase and instead chose to ruin it for others.
From homophobic and racist taunts to physical abuse of female fans, this group unapologetically spewed their hate and misogyny.
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