Dutch GP organisers warn local fans: No flares allowed!

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The Dutch Grand Prix organisers have warned local fans that it will hand over to the authorities anyone who sets off a flare during Sunday's race, as was the case on Saturday.

The event's organisers forbid flares ahead of the race weekend, but on Saturday, two orange flares landed on the track during qualifying.

In the first instance, a red flag was required to halt proceedings while a second flare also landed on the track in Q3 but rolled out of harm's way.

The FIA confirmed that the individual who had thrown the first flare was identified by spectators in the grandstands and handed over to local authorities.

Read also: Verstappen criticises 'stupid' fans who threw flares

"All drivers, Formula One Management, the FIA and the organisation of the Dutch Grand Prix do not tolerate flares, as Max Verstappen himself mentioned in a post qualification interview.

"Their use is not allowed and creates very unsafe situations on the track for drivers and other fans.

"The organisation once again appeals to the common sense of all our fans and warns that the use of flares will not be tolerated.

"The offender who set off the torch on 3 September has been pointed out by bystanders and handed over to the authorities by event security."

Verstappen wasn't the only one to denounce the "stupid and silly" behavior by those that threw the flares, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also denouncing the antics of a few "idiots".

"The ambience is great here," he said. "The enthusiasm for Max has ignited the whole country and that's perfect to see.

"My experiences are positive with the fans, and it's a shame that there are a few total idiots out there that either drink or don't consider what such a flare on track can do to a driver.

"We saw the pigeons and the flare, and the flare is the more dangerous thing because if such a can hits you, we've seen that in the past that it can leave consequences and that the halo wouldn't help you with that."

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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.