Max Verstappen has criticised the “disgusting” behaviour of some spectators in Hungary after a video on social media showed them burning a Mercedes cap.
Reports emerged on Friday that spectators at the Hungaroring had been seen burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise.
Apparently decked out in Verstappen supporter kit, the fan set the cap on fire with the moment caught on camera by a passing car.
Verstappen has condemned it.
“That’s of course not acceptable,” he said.
“I mean, these individuals… No, I definitely don’t agree with that because that’s just disgusting.
“But overall, I think the majority of the fans which also were cheering a lot, I think throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think that’s how it should be.
“And yeah, those videos, or video, of burning merch I think that’s disgusting.”
We are united in our desire to drive abuse of all kinds out of the sport we love, and we’re calling on the entire F1 family to join us#DriveItOut. Together. pic.twitter.com/j0x6vsoars
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 30, 2022
It’s not the first disturbing incident to take place in recent weeks with the Austrian Grand Prix mired by reports of homophobia and racism.
Formula 1 responded to that by launching the ‘Drive It Out’ campaign to tackle abuse, both online and in the real world.
The sport released a video in which all 20 drivers appeared along with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and also FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem.
F1 said in a statement that the video message ‘recognises that while passion and competition is a very important part of our sport, it can go too far, resulting in fans, journalists, presenters, and drivers receiving abuse both verbally and online.
‘We are all sending a clear message that this isn’t acceptable and must end – and those that continue to spread abuse and offensive comments are not welcome in our sport.’
Formula 1 drivers and team bosses have called for life-time bans for fans who abuse other spectators and also drivers.
“They don’t represent us as a sport, they don’t share our values and they’re not welcome here. As simple as that,” said Sergio Perez.
Toto Wolff told ESPN that they can “f**k off.
“We just need to target these guys and pick them out and say ‘you.’ This is what Formula 1 has said and we have said and that you need to report to the security if you can.
“And whoever reads my sentence: stay away, we don’t want you if you are part of that…
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