Circuit owners Red Bull and their world champion Max Verstappen joined Formula One on Sunday in condemning reported sexist, racist and homophobic behaviour by some spectators at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton posted a message on Instagram saying he was "disgusted and disappointed" by the reports to emerge at the Red Bull Ring.
Formula One issued a statement saying it had been made aware some fans had been subject to "completely unacceptable comments" by others in the crowd, adding such behaviour would "not be tolerated".
"We take these matters very seriously, have raised them with the promoter and event security, and will be speaking to those who reported the incidents," the Liberty Media-owned sport added.
The race is hugely popular with Verstappen fans, mostly Dutch, letting off orange flares and cheering the championship leader, though the Red Bull driver had to settle for second behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in Sunday's race.
There have been reports on social media of drunken male fans harassing female spectators, of homophobic chants and racial abuse.
"These things shouldn't happen," Verstappen said afterwards. "I read a few shocking things. That's clearly not OK. I shouldn't even need to say this. There should be a general understanding that these things shouldn't happen."
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc celebrates after winning the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, July 10, 2022 -
Left to right on podium: second placed Red Bull's Max Verstappen, winner Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and third placed Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. AFP -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton on the podium after finishing third. Reuters -
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc celebrates winning the Austrian GP. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crosses the finish line to win the race. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen of Red Bull during the race. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Lecler and Max Verstappen battle for the lead. AFP -
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari at the Red Bull Ring. Getty -
Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton on his way to third place at the Red Bull Ring. AFP -
Smoke from a flare in the stands drifts across the race track in Austria. Getty -
Mercedes driver George Russell who finished fourth. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc drives in front of a stand full of Dutch supporters wearing orange in support of Max Verstappen. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc leads the race ahead of Max Verstappen's Red Bull. AFP -
Red Bull's Sergio Perez during the race at the Red Bull Ring. The Mexican failed to finish dur to engine problems. AFP -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during the race in Spielberg. Getty -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen followed by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. AP -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads the way at the start of the race. AFP
Red Bull boss Christian Horner called for a swift response from the authorities.
"There is no place for it in racing or society as a whole," he added. "We value inclusion and want a safe space for fans to enjoy our sport."
Mercedes driver Hamilton, who battled Verstappen for the title last year and condemned fans who cheered his qualifying crash on Friday, spoke out before and after the race.
"Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend," said the Briton, the sport's sole Black driver.
"Attending the Austrian Grand Prix or any GP should never be a source of anxiety and pain for fans and something must be done to ensure that races are safe spaces for all."
Hamilton urged anyone witnessing such abuse to report it to circuit security.
"We cannot sit back and allow this to continue," he added.
Speaking later, he said it was shocking to know fans were suffering because of who they chose to support.
"It's crazy to think that we are experiencing those things still in 2022," he told reporters. "It just highlights that it is still an issue all over and it comes down to education and ignorance.
"It shouldn't matter [about] your gender, your sexuality, the colour of your skin. It should just be everyone here to have a great time."
