The Spanish grand prix in Barcelona may be scrapped after Lewis Hamilton reportedly endured racist abuse during testing over the weekend.
It is understood the 23-year-old British driver was booed and insulted every time he made his way from the team motorhome to the pits on Saturday.
Hamilton is Formula One’s first ever black driver and stunned the world of motor racing by eclipsing his team mate Fernando Alonso at McLaren last season.
While testing at the Circuit de Catalunya it is reported there were shouts of ‘puto negro’ (f****** black) and ‘negro de mierda’ (black s***) from large sections of the crowd.
McLaren test team manager Indy Lall was quoted as saying: ‘It is not right the way he is being treated.’
Formula One’s governing body is now said to be threatening severe sanctions if there is any repeat of the incident.
‘The FIA (International Automobile Federation) is surprised and disappointed at the abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton,’ a spokesman said.
‘Abuse of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA statutes and any repetition will result in serious sanctions.’