Hamilton says ‘ignorance’ to blame for alleged racial abuse at Austrian Grand Prix

Formula One drivers including Lewis Hamilton have condemned racist abuse apparently suffered by fans at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Before Sunday’s race, F1 said it had received reports from supporters who had been verbally abused.

It takes the accusations “very seriously” and will be speaking to those who reported the behaviour, it added.

It has also raised the matter with the promoter and event security.

Hamilton, who finished third, said “ignorance” was partly to blame.

“It just highlights that it’s still an issue all over,” he said.

“It comes down to education and, of course, ignorance. People should come, should feel safe, should feel included and should be able to follow whoever it is you want to follow.

“[It] shouldn’t matter [about] your gender, your sexuality, the colour of your skin. It should just be everyone here to have a good time.”

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was sold out with more than 300,000 fans attending over three days.

Defending world champion Max Verstappen said the reported abuse “shouldn’t happen”, adding: “I read a few things, a few shocking things, so that’s clearly not OK.”

Race winner Charles Leclerc said anyone witnessing abuse should “do something”, continuing: “If we manage to find these people we need to take hard action. They shouldn’t be allowed to be anywhere close to our sport.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “This is completely unacceptable and we hope that security and the authorities deal with this swiftly as there is no place for it in racing or society.”