Racism has been a major issue for Formula 1 in the past few weeks. Though team bosses like Toto Wolff have spoken out against it, a lot of change needs to be brought into the motorsports world and otherwise. Discrimination has plagued the last few weeks with unfortunate instances, beginning with Juri Vips.
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The Red Bull Junior used a racist slur while streaming online and as a result, got his Red Bull contract terminated. However, the most shocking incident surfaced just hours later surrounding Nelson Piquet. The three-time world champion used an offensive term to describe Lewis Hamilton during a podcast.
And recently, the Austrian GP turned into a nightmare for several fans. There were reports of several female fans facing cat-calling, harassment, and discrimination. Wolff, in a recent interview, explained how Susie Wolff helped him in understanding that these things can’t be overlooked anymore.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 23: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff talks in the Team Principals Press Conference during Day One of F1 Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 23, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
He said, “We grew up with those jokes. How many pictures still get sent to me with that tone…but I have the perfect teacher at home. Susie sees that and says it was considered funny 10 years ago because that nobody cared.”
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“But she tells me that for her, it’s borderline, or it’s too much. For us guys who have been through this and who have always taken it all as jokes, we just have to change our minds a bit. shoulder, because girls and women don’t want that anymore,” he further added. (quotes translated using google)
Toto Wolff and Mercedes helped out a fan
What went down at the Austrian GP? There were several fan reports of shameful acts. Particularly a Lewis Hamilton fan faced brutal harassment. Team Mercedes invited her to the garage when Wolff and co. learned about her situation.
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In fact, several Red Bull fans also complained about the situation despite supporting the home heroes. There have been countless reports of misogynistic comments, inappropriate touching, racist slurs, and homophobia. In fact, some fans also created a group chat on Instagram for females to stick together.
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Further, the FIA has also promised to look into the incidents. The Austrian GP promoter and organizer will face countless questions about the treatment of the crowd. So, what do you think? How can we as a society improve these things?
