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via Reuters

Nico Rosberg, the former F1 world champion, hung his helmet and bowed out on a high. Rosberg beat hugely talented Lewis Hamilton to get his maiden world championship title. However, their relationship became sour long before the win and the German was not a big hit with the British fans.

Their rivalry is one of the most famous in the sport’s history, especially between teammates. The pair even crashed at the Austrian GP in 2016, an extremely frustrating scenario for Mercedes. And loyal Hamilton fans gave Rosberg the same reception as Max Verstappen got at the British GP. The booing was more painful for Rosberg as the German finished the race on the podium.

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Despite Rosberg’s feeling toward the booing, he did have a response for the British fans. When asked, “Well, Nico, an unamiable first for you today to be booed on the podium. Do you understand why they did it?”

Rosberg replied, “They’re British fans so yes I do understand. Only it’s not a nice feeling for me because I really respect their opinion. And all I ask is actually that they really prepare themselves well before having such a opinion.”

Rosberg winning the championship after this response makes the statement even more daunting. However, the lack of respect from the fans has become a growing concern.

The current Austrian GP Misbehavior Incident sheds a light on the level of misconduct that can take place at the grandstands.

F1 Fans booing Nico Rosberg doesn’t compare to the current Austrian GP incidents

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Rosberg’s incident seems minuscule compared to the Austrian GP incidents. British fans booing Verstappen was disrespectful and Hamilton voiced his dismay at the situation as well. And we’re unaware of any reprimand levied on the British fans after either of the booing incidents.

via Reuters

However, this issue cannot go untreated any longer, as the situation was out of control. The incidents involve racist, homophobic and abusive behavior towards fans supporting the Red Bull Rivals.

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Hamilton, like always, has voiced his opinion about the shocking incidents at the Austrian GP Grandstands. But, this will not be enough, and actions by the FIA are necessary to take control of fan safety.

Written by

Mahim Suhalka

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One take at a time

Mahim Suhalka is an F1 Author at EssentiallySports. This Sports Management post-graduate is an ardent supporter of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team and their lead driver, Lewis Hamilton. The fact that Lewis dominated one of the most expensive sports in the world for all these years, despite his humble beginnings, has been a huge inspiration for Mahim and has made him a tenured fan of the competitive sport itself.
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Edited by

Ranvijay Singh