F1 condemns 'unacceptable' fan abuse at Red Bull Ring

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The Formula One Group has issued a statement ahead of Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, denouncing the "unacceptable" behaviour of certain fans after cases of harassment and abuse at the Red Bull Ring were brought to its attention this weekend.

Spectators who experienced harassment or unacceptable comments at the Austrian track took to social media to report the issues.

Formula 1 responded by saying that it was taking the accounts "very seriously"

Read also: 'Mind blowing' that fans cheered qualifying crash - Hamilton

"We have been made aware of reports that some fans have been subject to completely unacceptable comments by others at the Austrian Grand Prix," read F1's statement.

"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.

"This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

The reports of abuse have arisen a day after Lewis Hamilton took aim at a group of fans who cheered his crash in qualifying on Friday.

"A driver could have been in hospital, and you're going to cheer that? I mean, it's just mind-blowing that people will do that, just knowing how dangerous our sport is," said the Mercedes driver on Saturday.

But on Sunday, following Formula 1's statement, Hamilton voiced his "disgust" at the latest reports of abuse.

"Disgusted and disappointed to hear that some fans are facing racist, homophobic and generally abusive behaviour at the circuit this weekend," he wrote on Instagram.

"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.

"Please, if you see this happening, report it to circuit security and to F1, we cannot sit back and allow this to continue."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.