Valton Security gave a cagey response when quizzed about the security officer that appeared to strike a photographer at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Long-time photographer, Mark Thompson, got into an altercation with the officer on Friday in Budapest, and images appeared to show the officer strike him across the face, causing a cut to his lip.
Fans came forward explaining that Valton Security, the service used by the Hungarian Grand Prix, have a reputation for being aggressive and violent at events.
Formula1news.co.uk got in touch with Valton Security to ask them for a comment on the incident, but they declined to divulge any information.
READ: Formula 1 urged to take action after British photographer attacked at 2022 Hungarian GP
“Unfortunately we are not in a position to do so [comment on the incident],” they replied.
The alleged assault coincides with Formula 1’s joint initiative with the teams and the FIA to drive abuse out of the sport.
In recent weeks, there has been abuse of drivers during grand prix weekends, as well as horrifying burning of drivers’ merchandise.
At the Austrian Grand Prix, some fans were subjected to racist, homophobic and sexist comments, while others were sexually harassed.
Mercedes and Aston Martin invited some of the victims to spend the weekend in the garages with them after hearing of their stories, and more spectators came forward in Budapest.
A feeling of discomfort was detailed, with one fan feeling particularly anxious being a woman by herself in the grandstands surrounded by drunk men.
F1 has created a portal for fans to report abuse, and F1 is working collaboratively with event organisers to help eradicate abusive behaviour from the pinnacle of motorsport.
READ: Images: British photographer assaulted by trackside security at 2022 Hungarian GP
In recent weeks, Sebastian Vettel and Sergio Perez have called for abusive fans to be given lifetime bans from attending races.
Formula1news.co.uk has also contacted the Hungaroring for a statement on the security officer’s alleged assault on Thompson, but we have not yet received a reply.