Formula 1 bosses have focused on ramping up security and working with promoters in order to help eradicate the sexual harassment, homophobia and racism behaviour seen from some Dutch fans last month in the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.
Yet there have still been ongoing incidents, with Dutch fans having been spotted burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise at the Hungaroring in the last race ahead of the summer break. More than 100,000 fans are expected at Zandvoort during the next three days and of course there will be close scrutiny on how Max Verstappen’s loyal fans behave.
Dutch Grand Prix sports director Jan Lammers confirmed that he has absolutely no concerns regarding this matter and believes the small minority who ruined things for many at the Red Bull Ring will most likely be too “embarrassed” to return to a Formula 1 event.
“I think this year we will prove that Austria was an incident only initiated by some individuals. It was maybe just tens of people that just went a bit over the top: group behaviour and all that. So I think those particular fans are already so embarrassed that they might even stay at home, or they’ve been set straight by their friends and family. That was embarrassing. And that’s not how we know the Orange Army. During the Olympics and soccer, the Orange fans are usually known for their sense of humour. They don’t take themselves too seriously and make a lot of fun. So I really think that the Orange Army are going to be on their best behaviour.” – Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers said ahead of this weekend.
In 2021, despite the fact that Max Verstappen was involved in a close battle with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, there was no clear evidence of Dutch fans taking it too far in how they treated Max Verstappen’s rivals. Jan Lammers feels things will be the same this season, despite the fact that there will be even more fans in the stands as compared to last year:
“I think they’re going to show that what they’re really made of,” he said. “What we saw in Austria, that’s not a real race fan. In the past, we’ve had the battle between Lewis and Max and I think we welcome them well here. Anybody booing anybody, particularly with Lewis, if somebody is booing a seven-time world champion, then you have to wonder yourself what you are made of. It’s a sporting environment and a sporting family environment, and people should act in a sporting and family way. I often tell it that when our kids go to a party, we tell them, make sure that everybody enjoys it. I think that that focus should be the same here: that everybody makes sure that everybody enjoys it.” – he added.
Former Ferrari boss and current Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also wanted to praise the way that Dutch fans behaved in 2021, while admitted to some last year, having admitted to some concerns ahead of the 2021 event:
“Last year was really for sure an incredible event. The energy was tremendous and the respect was tremendous. I have to tell you the truth….but there was a little bit of doubt of how the Dutch Orange Army could have responded and welcomed the other drivers. But actually it was the other way: it was impressive the way that there was a sporting welcome to everyone: from Lewis to the Ferrari drivers to the other ones. So chapeau. This is a sign of maturity: maturity that this society needs to move forward. And this is really something that we can really share.” – Stefano Domenicali said.
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When asked about racing in front of the Dutch fans this weekend, Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc said:
“We have a good relationship with Max, there’s lots of respect, so I don’t expect to be booed even if my target will be to ruin the party both for him and his fans! It’s clear that if they are wearing orange they aren’t here to cheer for Ferrari, but fair enough! Next week at Monza I expect that most of the spectators will be wearing red and supporting us!” – Charles concluded.
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