Sebastian Vettel says Formula 1 should impose life bans on abusive fans after harassment was reported at the Red Bull Ring during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Soccer, Formula 1, tennis and more in a sports package

During the Spielberg race weekend, some fans were harassed by other supporters at the circuit, including homophobic and racist slurs, verbal abuse and other offensive comments.

Formula 1 responded to the reports and announced it would be speaking to the organizers of the race at the Red Bull Ring to take action. Vettel calls for strict bans on fans engaging in abusive behavior on Formula 1 circuits and calls for a “zero tolerance” policy.

“It’s terrible, isn’t it? I think it’s good that these things are coming to light, that’s the beginning, but it’s terrible,” said Vettel after the Austrian Grand Prix, where he was 17th and the last of the pilots to finish.

“Whoever these people are, they should be ashamed and banned from racing events for life. I think there should be zero tolerance. Having fun and drinking too much is fine, but it doesn’t justify or excuse any wrongdoing,” says the German.

“We race as a unit, and the fans are part of it.” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also describes the abuse as “unacceptable” and hopes that the officials will take action.

“We are shocked to hear that there have been some incidents of abusive behavior in the stands and fan parks,” said Horner.

“This is totally unacceptable and we hope that the security forces and the authorities will act quickly because there is no place for that in racing or in society at large. We value inclusion and want a safe space for fans to enjoy our sport.”

Daniel Ricciardo says his McLaren Formula One team will support victims of the abuse and that the harassment is casting a shadow over the weekend in Austria.

“I just heard about it after the race and I was told there are a couple of victims that I think are in the paddock so we’re going to go and say hello to a couple of them and give them some love “, he says.

“I hate negativity. I don’t like to talk about negative news, but if that’s the case then it’s a damn shame. I was just asked yesterday about the boos after the Lewis crash and I understand everyone is here to enjoy themselves, have a few beers and riot a bit, but of course there are limits to a lot of things.”

“It’s a shame and it’s a minor downside to a weekend that should be fun and feel good from start to finish. So we’re going to try what we can to help some of the victims and give them a little love.”

Ahead of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 issued a statement on the matter: “We have heard reports that some fans at the event were exposed to totally unacceptable comments from others.”

“We have discussed this with the promoter and security forces and will be speaking to those who reported these incidents and are taking the matter very seriously. This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and all fans should be treated with respect.”

This article was written by Luke Smith

Well before the start of Wimbledon, the All England Tennis Club withdrew all players from Russia and Belarus from the right to play. A native of Russia has now won the women’s singles competition of this year’s Wimbledon tournament – that triggers clear reactions.

Originally posted by Motorsport-Total.com, “People should be ashamed”: Vettel demands lifetime bans for offending fans.