With 303,000 spectators, the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Spielberg broke the Austrian record and thus retained its status as the biggest sporting event of the year on red-white-red ground. Not even when the “premier class” of motorsport made its comeback in 2014 did so many fans make the pilgrimage to Styria. This time the Sunday was sold out for a long time, and the numbers on Friday and Saturday were also impressive. One reason for this was the program with qualifying on Friday and sprint races on Saturday.
“Unacceptable Comments”
Nevertheless, there is some work to be done: Several sexist, homophobic and racist incidents that cast a long shadow over the Austrian race were reported around the Red Bull Ring. Posts accumulated on Twitter over the weekend, according to which women in particular were verbally or physically harassed on the ring premises. Formula 1 announced on its official Twitter channel that “completely unacceptable comments” had been made aware of. “This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” it said.
Formula 1 is already in contact with the organizer and the security service and also wants to talk to people who have reported incidents.
Several apparently female users reported suggestive sayings, calls, whistles, gestures or assaults on social networks. “The girl who sells ice cream (i.e. WORKS) is constantly being harassed by older drunk men. It’s terrible,” it read.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram that he was “disgusted and disappointed”. “Visiting the Austrian or any Grand Prix must never cause fear and pain among fans,” wrote the Mercedes driver. “We must not sit back and allow this to continue.”
Presale starts today
Hours before the start of the Grand Prix yesterday, crowds of spectators welcomed the Formula 1 stars on the “Styrian Green Carpet”. There was a lot to see – for example iconic cars from five decades of motorsport history. Red, white and orange – in keeping with the Dutch roots of defending champion Max Verstappen – set the tone on the site.
Ticket sales for the 2023 Grand Prix weekend, which will take place from June 30th to July 2nd, have already started online at www.redbullring.com. Those figures who do not know how to behave are then absolutely allowed to stay at home.
Source: Nachrichten
