Hamilton suffered racist abuse in Spain
Bernie Ecclestone has come under fire for dismissing the recent racism aimed at Lewis Hamilton as a ‘one off’ and declaring the anti-racism campaign launched by governing body the FIA is ‘not necessary’.
Formula One boss Ecclestone said the recent abuse suffered by Hamilton in Spain this month was ‘an isolated incident’.
'All it does is give attention to people who want attention,' he said.
'I don't think they're fans, and I don't think they were supporting [Fernando] Alonso in particular. They just like to abuse people.'
The racism took place at a test session at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona and spectators wore blacked-up faces.
Ecclestone said the incident was a ‘one-off, nothing to worry about’, but added that the FIA would have to consider sanctions against the circuit if there was a similar incident.
Ecclestone, who was talking to BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, said he was sure Hamilton would rise above the controversy.
‘I don't think he would be affected by it. I think he is strong enough to know it is all nonsense,’ Ecclestone said.
But Ecclestone did admit the 23-year-old might find his second season in F1 tougher than the first.
‘He was under no pressure at all last year, but this year he is going to be under pressure, and that's the problem,’ Ecclestone said.
‘But I think he is up to it. I think he will cope. It won't faze him. He knows what he can do and what he can't do.’
Weyman Bennett, of the campaign Unite Against Racism, said: 'I think these comments are totally unacceptable.
'There should be a clear message that bigotry and racism are not tolerated in Formula One.
'I think the idea that when people are racist you ignore them is just not acceptable.'