Hamilton and Ecclestone disagree over racism
Lewis Hamilton put himself at odds with Bernie Ecclestone today after the Formula One supremo rejected talk of racism in the sport and said recent controversies were "a joke".
Ecclestone told BBC radio that incidents in Spain and Brazil, where 23-year-old Hamilton became on Sunday the first black world champion as well as the youngest, had been blown out of proportion.
"In Spain people were supporting (Fernando) Alonso and in Sao Paulo they were supporting Felipe (Massa)," said the 78-year-old. "I don't think it has anything to do with racism.
"There were a few people in Spain...and that was probably taken at the beginning as a joke rather than anything abusive. People sort of look and read things into things that are not there.
"All of those things are all a bit of a joke. People are entitled to support who they want to support."
Hamilton, appearing at a promotional function for McLaren team sponsor Vodafone, saw it differently.
"I don't particularly look at it as a joke," he told reporters.
"It's something that's happened but it's in the past and you've got to look forward. What's most important for me is that I know I have a lot of support, especially from my UK fans.
"I go to all these countries and I do see my fellow-countrymen holding up the flag and it makes me very proud to see that. All the other stuff, you can put it behind you and forget about it."
Hamilton, who beat Ferrari's Brazilian Massa by a single point at Interlagos, was Spaniard Alonso's team mate and title rival at McLaren last season and the Briton has been the target of racial abuse from Spanish fans.
The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) launched an anti-racism campaign after blacked-up spectators appeared at a test session in Barcelona in February, while others shouted abuse at the driver.
Another controversy erupted before last weekend's title-deciding race when British newspapers highlighted hundreds of hate messages posted on a Spanish website targeting the Briton.
Hamilton's father Anthony told reporters this week that the racial taunts and abuse had made him doubt whether his son should be competing in the sport.
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M.Cassar
Nov 7th 2008, 16:55
@Mr.Gordon Grech, It's very clear that you are a Ferrari supporter, so you think that all the other Teams are like Ferrari as they very famous for !! as since Shummy Era they use to give team orders to the No2 driver so he will let his team mate pass him even if the No2 driver is faster ! ( as in China between Kimi & Massa) even though its agains the Rules, but no Penalty for that !! Well as others mentioned below, if Glock made his 3rd pit stop like all the front runners he would have lost 25 sec. like Hamilton & others, but he Gumbled that chance & he Lost the 5th place ! COMPRENDE ?? And HAMILTON is the World Champion !! Ferrari are Happy with Const. World Championship. ( La x-Xitan irrid Hekk ) Anyway Hamilton only has to Thank his Team Mclaren/Mercedes & Supporters !!!
Gordon Grech
Nov 7th 2008, 15:45
Yes, Vettel was an excellent driver and was able to work in a team who did a lot of progress throughout the season.
The actual speed of Glock 2 laps from the end was 125mps. The last lap was 55mps!!! The Gap between Hamilton/Vettel and Glock during the last 2 laps was of 25sec. If Glock continued with a speed of 95mps, he would have finished 4th. However, I think that Massa and Ferrari are responsible of loosing this year car driver championship since several mistakes were done during the whole season. Hamilton diserves to championship because he is also a good driver but lacks of personal skills.
However when considering last year the Renault Vis avie this year, Alonso made a lot of change and if Ferrari would like to have an other Schumacher, they must invest on him.
Duncan Murphy
Nov 7th 2008, 14:17
@ Gordon Grech
Glock slowed down due to driving on a wet track with dry tyres. You try and drive on a wet road at over 100mph!!!
Besides, even if he changed his tyres, he would have still lost around 25 secs., most probably putting him behind the new world champ.
Dominic Cortis
Nov 7th 2008, 11:46
@Gordon Grech
Well probably Vettel was the most impressive driver throughout this year.
Lawrence Pisani
Nov 7th 2008, 09:42
Well done Hamilton you really deserve to be world champion. To all those who do not like the rookie, please do not forget what he did last year. He even amazed Michael Schumacher with his ability.
Michael Ellul
Nov 7th 2008, 08:10
Hamilton deserved the championship this year. One must not forget 7 point penalty from stewards given to Hamilton unfairly. An issue that could not be decided by courts due to technicallity. Well done Hamilton well done Mclaren Keep it up
Joseph Galea
Nov 7th 2008, 08:07
Mr Grech, you must be joking. Glock did not let Hamilton through, even Massa has acknowledged that. Which, incidentally, cannot be said for Massa himself at the same race last year, when he did Raikkonen a favour (nothing wrong, mind you). Hamilton made a couple of mistakes, but he was certainly the best and most consistent driver this year. No question about Alonso's talents, he just needs to keep his mouth shut.
Gordon Grech
Nov 7th 2008, 07:43
Hamilton is the world champion. But I think that this year only Massa and Alonso have proved to be the the best two drivers. Ferrari won the construction team championship while Alonso has made great improvement on the Renault. However Hamilton is still lamenting rather than saying big thanks to Glock!!!!