Lando Norris and Sebastian Vettel called for tough punishments for fans who abuse fellow race-goers – but the Brit believes a lifetime ban from Formula 1 would be going too far.
The Austrian Grand Prix was marred by reports of appalling behaviour from some fans in the grandstands. Victims took to social media to detail the racism, homophobia and misogyny they had encountered at the Red Bull Ring.
F1 chiefs were quick to condemn those dishing out the abuse, and called on the event promotor to tighten security. And Lewis Hamilton said he was "disgusted" by the reports and asked witnesses to come forward.
Reacting to the news, Vettel suggested F1 should follow the example set by football clubs and hand out life-long bans to anyone guilty of racism, homophobia or any other form of discrimination at a race track. "It's good that this stuff comes out but it is horrible," said the Aston Martin star.
"Whoever these people are they should be ashamed of themselves and they should be banned from racing events for the rest of their lives. I wasn’t aware, to be honest, but I think there is zero-tolerance. If people have a good time and they drink too much that's okay but it doesn't excuse wrong behaviour."
McLaren racer Norris agreed that a ban would be an effective deterrent, but felt it would be going too far to never allow people to attend a race again. "Kick them out," said the Brit, before adding: "[But] I wouldn't say a life ban.
"I don't want to say it like that, because a fan is a fan. If they want to be here it is because they like racing and they enjoy the atmosphere. The thing is that there are thousands of people.
"What can be done? I don't know. I think the first thing that can be done is that if you get caught doing it, you get a year's ban from coming to the races or something like that. Of course, we don't want it, it's not acceptable, especially within Formula 1 where we want to create a great show and want to inspire people and so on.
"You never want that side of it to be happening, especially when fans are the main reason the whole sport goes along and happens every weekend. If someone says something bad, just kick them out for a while."
