Lewis Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse by spectators at the Montmeló
circuit near Barcelona on Saturday, leading to the Spanish motor racing
authority being warned by the FIA that any repeat would have serious
consequences. At the same time, it has emerged that the British driver's
reputation was tarnished unfairly last season when he was widely reported to
have sworn at Ron Dennis, the McLaren principal, over the team radio.
Hamilton has been taking part in a three-day official Formula One test at the
Spanish circuit, which finished yesterday. According to local media reports,
he was booed and abused each time he walked from the McLaren team's
motorhome to the garage on the pitlane on Saturday.
Eventually, circuit staff erected fences to protect him from view and removed
offensive banners that had been put up opposite the team's base. Many of the
spectators present were supporters of Fernando Alonso, the Spanish driver
with whom Hamilton had a dramatic falling-out last year when they were
team-mates at McLaren. Alonso has since returned to Renault.
The relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reached its nadir at the
Hungarian Grand Prix last August. The British rookie was denied a chance of
pole position at the Hungaroring after Alonso appeared to have deliberately
delayed him in the pits. This left Hamilton insufficient track time to
complete a final lap and he was alleged at the time, in remarks that were
carried in newspapers all over the world, to have lost his temper as he
crossed the finish line at the end of the highly charged qualifying session.
However, The Times has established that the episode was misreported and that
Hamilton showed admirable restraint. In fact, it was Dennis who swore, not
his young protégé.
“Don't ever f***ing do that to me again,” Hamilton was reported to have
shouted to Dennis as he crossed the finish line. Dennis was then alleged to
have replied: “Don't ever f***ing speak to me like that again!” At this
point, Hamilton was supposed to have uttered the words: “Go f***ing swivel!”
The reporting of the altercation, based on leaks from an engineer at Renault,
led to widespread criticism of Hamilton. He was condemned as an arrogant
upstart who did not know his place. The Times can reveal, however, exactly
what was said that day and, based on authoritative sources, can show that a
very different conversation occurred, and that the exchange was to have a
far bigger impact on the weekend's events than was known at the time.
As he drove across the line, Hamilton, adopting an ironic tone, said: “Thank
you, guys. Thank you, that was great.” Dennis then replied: “That shows what
happens when you don't f***ing do what you're told!” The infamous comment
about “swivelling” was never uttered by Hamilton.
At the time, the exchange was viewed as evidence of how heated matters had
become between Hamilton and Alonso. What was not known was that the stewards
at the Hungaroring relied heavily on it when they decided to penalise
McLaren. The team lost their constructors' championship points for that
weekend, while Alonso was demoted five places on the grid for the next day's
grand prix.
In their investigation, the stewards were looking for evidence that McLaren
had assisted Alonso in deliberately balking Hamilton. Reviewing recordings
of the radio traffic between the team and their drivers, the stewards took
Dennis's remark to mean that Hamilton had indeed been punished for
disobeying team orders.
An odd feature of the affair is that, given that they relied so much on the
short conversation between Hamilton and Dennis, the stewards did not publish
it at the time to help to explain their findings. For their part, McLaren
initially gave notice that they would appeal against the loss of points, but
later the team decided to accept it.
Hamilton did not comment on the abuse he suffered in Spain on Saturday, but
Indy Lall, the McLaren test team manager, condemned the attacks. “It is not
right the way he is being treated,” he said.
Ramon Pradera, the circuit manager at Montmeló, where the Spanish Grand Prix
will be held at the end of April, appealed to fans to “behave correctly”,
adding that “no type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated”. A spokesman
for the FIA, the sport's governing body, said that racism in Formula One was
unacceptable and warned the Spanish authorities about any repetition of such
behaviour.
Lets put things into a bit of perspective here. Firstly, the reality is that Lewis Hamilton isn't black,he's mixed race(white mother,black father). Being mixed race yet polarised as being black is a common, false but universal perception which fuels the mind set of a mixed race person to feel black.
Dean, Doncaster, England
"Justin": what's truly amazing is your sheer ignorance. Cite any serious genetic "evidence" that Spaniards are "1/4 European and 3/4 African":
http://racialreality.110mb.com/spaniards.html
By the way, Britons are genetically related to Spaniards:
http://racialreality.110mb.com/britons.html
JDP, Madrid,
I am Spanish and I find totally unacceptable what happened to L H in Barcelona.
Some of the comments in this section are as disgusting as those events in Barcelona and are deeply insulting and racist towards Spain and the Spaniards. That should come as no surprise as, very regrettably and unfortunately, that kind of behaviour is not exclusive of any part of the world and also happens here in the UK where I live (More than 10 years now). Both countries have great things about them but also grim realities a lot of people prefers to ignore.
N. F. R., Lanarkshire, Scotland-UK
As a regular user of Youtube, I recently watched a series
of videos placed there that were in Spanish, obviously
posted by Spanish fans. The abuse directed against
Lewis Hamilton was beyond disgusting, bordering on
obscene.
Videos concerning Fernando Alonso, from many other
nations I may add, were nearly all respectfull and
focused completely on his god given talent as a driver.
The difference, I feel, is that these people have their
own agenda, and it has nothing to do with F1.
Aryton Senna, Michael Schumacher! They both had
their lovers and haters, but I have never seen a single
driver being treated like this in my entire life.
I have followed F1 since 1984, and I fear for this sport
when I see 'fans' like these, regardless of their
nationality.
Fernando Alonso should have spoken out against this,
and took the moral high ground. Sadly, morals is
something that seems to be lacking in F1 these days.
And CLASS!
james hunt, orlando, florida, usa
In Hamilton Row Should Spain's grands prix be cancelled? there´s a Andy's post the real meaning of the photography that The Times has used to say "Spaniards are racist". Disgraceful attitudes in Montmeló has already been condemned by Spanish authorities and most Spanish fans but I think that, in the other side, there are a lot of prejudices towards Spanish and a preference for choosing misunderstanding; spreading the generalized idea that all Spanish are rascist.
1) Spanish government and ONG's rescue everyday inmigrants from Atlantic ocean who are abandoned and ignored by their own governments. I wonder what it happens with people who try to cross English Channel. ("Last Resort" movie).
2) Isn´t Britain were skinhead movement was born?("This is England" movie).
3) Ken Loach's movies "Fond Kiss..., Ae" and "It's a Free World" tackle a very different British reality, far non racist.
Have a look in your home, prejudices and evils are in most societies.
Syl
Sylvia, Barcelona, Spain
It would be good to see Fernando Alonso condemn the racist behaviour of these people. I won't hold my breath though. Similarly it would have been encouraging to see the Spanish national football coach condemn the disgusting racist abuse footballers receive in his country. Then I found out that he was one of the abusers regularly spouting racist filth. Spain and it's people should address these issues. If they continue they and their people will be labelled racists.
PATRICK BUGLER, LONDON, ENGLAND
OK,OK!!! Let's end this debate once and for all. Spanish people are NOT racist....they just have bad taste.
Fahim, London, Elngland
Justin from Bristol set an example before criticizing , yes I'm Spanish and I have moorish, Latin-american and African blood and I'm dark with lovely black hair, isn't that great? we celebrate it, believe me. And thank God in Spain so far we do not ask people who apply for jobs whether they are white British, White European, white Irish, Black British, chinese Irish, the other... as the UK does in their pathetically racist classification of so called minorities.
Rosa, Barcelona, Sp
I am a romanian and I have been living in Spain since 2001. These people are racist. They think that they are the best in everything. I remeber than when I first arrived here nobody knew anything about F1. Since the arrival of Alonso everybody seems to be an expert and they always put him above every other driver. Their media approves this kind of acts saying that it is just a minority who do these racist acts. Since Alonso went to McLaren this media continuely disquelified Hamilton making jokes and fun of him even if it was in a subtle way. You can easily find articles in the web site of tele 5 or AS and Marca that can support my affirmations.
I am a Ferrari fan but I respect all the other teams and drivers. This is a sport in which everybody, including fans, should act fairly. Bur these spaniards cannot stand that other may be better then them and that is what drives them crazy. This happens in every sport here. I hope that Hamilton win the 2008 F1 championship and dedicate it toSP
Adysan, Sibiu, Romania
I think it is hard for British people to accept that cultures in other countries are different. I have lived in Barcelona for a few years and the PC attitude which overides all aspects of life in the UK does not exist here. If you are black, people will call you black (as clearly you are). Also I agree with other contributors who point out it is Carnaval (another cultural difference) when it is customary to wear fancy dress. Furthermore Lewis Hamilton is definately unpopular here, and I am sure at Carnaval time a group would be dressed to look like him whatever his racial background was. So if he were the stereotypical scots for example, they would be wearing kilts and ginger wigs. But then would people from the UK be complaining it was racist?
Irene, Barcelona, Spain
11pm, 60 comments, and not one of them that claims this is racism actually gives any evidence of it.
Laura Roberts, London, UK
To Laura Roberts,
"Where exactly is the racism?"
Well, you can find it just below your comment. Tom Fawcett, comment is a good example.
R Corfield from Tanzania (two or three below your's) is one of the best demonstration of how deep racism can be well placed inside a human being.
Few people behaviour (quickly banned from the circuit as reported by the Spanish Motor Federation) is enaugh to take out all what some people (including The Times journalists) really think about the Spaniards.
IDR, Madrid, Spain
Its pleasing to see that so many people, of all nationalities, who read this forum have condemned the actions of those few supporters at Barcelona.
What is disturbing however, is that some people seem to think that he should have to put up with such racist shouts because he is old enough, and that this somehow makes them OK.
Racist comments shouldn't be left to fly just because the person is on the receiving end is of a certain age. They are not appropriate full stop.
These supporters have badly let down Spain (a great country) and Fernando (a great driver) by doing this.
If such behavior were to be seen at other grand prix venues then they would almost certainly be struck off the calendar straight away, but such is the growth of F1 in Spain recently that it has been spared for now. However if this behavior continues the FIA has made it no secret that these people won't have a Spanish grand prix to go to. Which would be a great shame for all the real spanish fans.
SGR, chester, uk
Lewis didn't get abuse for been black (which he isn't by the way) but for his behaviour last year. Journalist should take responsability. Ed, show us the tapes of the Hungary incident!
jordi, bournemouth,
Some people are saying "all spanish people are racist, they always have" . isn't this comment, racist it self?
jordi, bournemouth,
What if Lewis Hamilton was a white Western European - what form of abuse would they use? It just goes to show how they, the Spanish, lack in imagination. To mock someone's race and colour is very hurtful, and the person/people who say there was no racist behaviour have no idea what it's like to be taunted because of your skin colour and race. Try some other form of abuse - that would be less painful, not only for the person concerned, but for all people of colour. The Europeans have pillaged and abused non-whites for far too long and even now in 2008 it continues as is evident by the behaviour of these Spanish bigots. When I visited Spain over 30 years ago I cried every day until I left the place due to the abuse I encountered, just for having a different skin colour. How sad that the world is this way. We are all humans and the same fate awaits all of us - death!!
Connie, London, England
Once and for all, It is CARNIVAL in Spain!! Search in Wikipedia !!
By the way, everybody is concern about some "hooligans" in Barcelona and what the did (dressing up like a black person), but nobody is concern about what happened in 1996 Eurocup when one of your British newspapers said that all women in Spain have a mustache ? Do you remember that ?
Racism is intolerable wherever it is coming from.
JoseBelgica, Brussels, Belgium
I think the real problem here is the sports fanatism that exists everywhere. So probably the best thing should be to ban F1, football and all these sports that generate so many stupid fights among their fans, between countries, cities, etc. (at least for 1 year !!). Anyway you will fast find something new to argue about.
It would be great to spend all the F1 money of a whole year in something like helping African countries or poor people of any colour anywhere.
I dont really like Fernando Alonso, neither Hamilton, they look too egocentric. Power, money and fame corrupts, that's for sure.
One last thing: some of the comments against Spanish people look racist to me. Are you British people racist against the Spanish because they all look racist to you? Or maybe is because we are a little bit darker than you? Sometimes much more darker than you. Almost black.
I'm sure not all of you are racists, as I'm sure it's the same in Spain, and everywhere....
Maria, Madrid, Spain
Juan, reading your post I can say that there is some liars in Barcelona too! . I'm from Barcelona, and is the most open and wellcoming place that anyone can imagine.
jordi, bournemouth,
i love alberto's reasoning for this: Hamilton did better than Alonso so the spanish don't want him in Spain...typical. They just cannot accept people doing better than them at anything... very sad that they'd prefer to see Alonso race uncontested than actual watch a good race.... if there's one thing i've noticed from going to college here it's that they are not sports fans; they don't care about seeing good sport... they just want to fill the void created by their inferiority complex and want spanish people to be considered the best... on paper even if they don't earn it
Rob, Madrid,
To Lewis Hamilton,
Don't worry about it (which he ain't anyway), these spaniards haven't fully evolved in to intelligent humans yet. I think they are still about 20,000 years off, they're about 5,000 years away from evolving to apes.
Regards
Jamie, Preston, UK
"A man who never knew his Kenyan father,who was brought up by his English mother, who speaks excellent grammatical English and yet the press and everyone call him an African-American. At what stage do you cease to be 'black'?" (R. Corfield)
Speaking "excellent grammatical English" has nothing to do with race.
SB, Paris, France
Please guys and girls don't let yourself be driven away on the spur of the moment. Not every Spaniard is a racist, not every Briton is a hooligan. It is only that racists and hooligans are noisier than the rest of us. I'm not the one who is going to defend the idiots who shouted abuse on LH, but Spanish people they (not me) have a tendency to be unrespectful with eachother. It is a pity but this is the way it is here. The worst thing you can do is to complain about it. You learn this as you grow up. Complaining is like a provocation to have more insults thrown at you. If you are in Spain pay attention at how people talk to eachother. Very often they shout like in anger, and one minute later they say good bye with a smile. Perhaps one day they learn how to show respect to one another, and you learn to be closer and warmer with your neighbours. But above all, keep calm and don't blame us all.
Agustin, Oropesa (Toledo), Spain
saying that all spanish people are racist...isn't it racist?
jordi, bournemouth,
its a pity you've receive this image from our country. i think we're not racists but hamilton deserves the worst. your 'hero' has won nothing yet so he cannot have the reason or the leadership of a team. i hope this trouble had not happened but you should see at silverstone what happens when alonso is there
pepito, london,
I think racism is something that sadly is extremely present in the UK as well.
For starters they call us Spaniards which is a demeaning word that is used more commonly than Spanish. Maybe you are the racist cataloguing hour society as racist. If we are cataloguing societies, let’s say that the British society is violent and doesn’t know how to behave when they go abroad. British are “proud†to say that they have no more hooligans….let me point something out: they don’t act in UK’s territory anymore. They go and vandalise any European city with the excuse of a football match. Sometimes they even kill people…. Maybe the FIFA should forbidden UK football teams to play the European competitions. We are not talking about insulting other people (which is very bad) we are talking about aggressive people that sometimes kill other people.
mike, london ,
As a Spaniard I feel deeply embarrassed by the absolutely disgraceful lack of taste and educations those morons at the terraces showed last Saturday by yelling racist comments towards LH (I won’t comment much on the lame costume sported by some of them, since it was carnival).
I find it particularly stupid since it would have been easier to boo him for his behaviour last year, which ended up with both drivers without the title. He was arrogant, childish and whiny all year long, just like all the great champs (including FA). Well, the fact that he kicked FA’s ass a couple of times didn’t exactly increase his popularity down here ;o)
Those morons could have chosen a tastier and more imaginative way to boo LH, and now all we’ve got is a damaged Spain’s public image (once again, and once again in the UK) and nobody talking about, for example, the amazing crowd that drove to Valencia two weeks ago (over 35,000 people just for the practice!!)
Jose, Madrid, Spain
It's appalling to read so many spiteful comments from Spanish contributors to this discussion who seem not to understand what racist behaviour is, and/or seek to excuse it.
The fact that Alonso behaved with such embarrassing petulance last season when he was shown up by a rookie is no excuse for you to do the same, whether he is your countryman or not.
As for these accusations that Hamilton is a poor sportsman, arrogant etc. - these are simply fabrications of your frustration with Alonso's poor showing, nothing more.
Shame on you. Grow up.
Alastair, Alicante, Spain
El Pais is one of the most progressive and respected journals of Spain. However, if you go to
http://www.elpais.com/graficos/deportes/trama/espionaje/McLaren/-/Ferrari/elpgra/20070913elpepudep_1/Ges/
click on "Pulse para continuar", then on "Trama" and then on the bar above at the third-to-last little triangle right at the end of where it says August, you will see how Hamilton was portrayed last year.
Pep, Madrid, Spain
I agree that from an English view, many acts and comments from Spain can seem racist. The problem is that Spaniards embrace cultural and racial differences and equally joke and ridicule them. Whether they be Catalan, Andalucian, Galician, Portuguese, English, French, or black, white, yellow or the multitude of shades in between, Spaniards will find a way to mock. However, I do not see hate behind the dorragatory comments. When you see "respecitable" families making monkey chants at football games, it is to use an advantage they can see to put off the opposing team. It is stupid and childish and part of the problem may be that many Spaniards have never spoken to a "non-white" person (whatver that is!) so they do not know the hurt they are causing. However, this will change as the rate of immigration in Spain is much greater than in the UK. I am not condoning the actions, but just wanting to explain what I have learnt through years of talking and living with the Spanish.
Joe, Barcelona, Spain
Spanish fans are very new to Grand Prix racing as they have not had any drivers of any decent note throughout the sports history.
This unfortunately means that there is no heritage in Spain, and so formula one in Spain is drawing on fans from other sports just because a Spaniard is doing well rather than the love of the sport.
This allows the thickheaded type of person in through the gates who does not give a damn about anything other than the Spaniard doing well (the same thing happened here with Mansell mania and in Germany with Schumacher).
It is a very sad state of affairs, as in the past when I have been to Spanish Grand Prix at both Jerez and Barcelona, I have found the true Spanish Grand Prix followers very friendly and helpfull.
This is of course the legacy of Bernie. Get rich off the masses who no nothing and damn the people who love the sport.
Pete, St Albans, England
It is difficult to imagine the shear ignorant and primative nature of a country which overall cannot see insults based on a persons colour, as racist slur. I pray that in the next life the perps come back as black people living and working in a racist society.
H T , Leeds,
I am not Spanish but I totally agree with them, and what's the problem in calling Hamilton black, he is black, not white or yellow, only in this country people make a big fuss about calling people nicknames or calling them by the colour of the skin they have or if they are fat o slim when they are exited watching a game of football or any sports: No where else in the world you are going to find people making problems for that, it is not racist it's just the truth. It is sad to see this country not having any freedom of saying what you want to say just for trying to be polite and pleased all the people that is not going to happen, it's impossible, that's not real life!
M, London, UK
The Fascist principles, ideals and agenda of the late Spanish dictator, Franco are alive and well! The record of reported Spanish incidences of RACIST behaviour towards people of colour is well documented. It seems they cannot stomach a person of colour trouncing a Spaniard. The recent humiliation of Nadal by Tsongas in the Australian Open must really have hurt! OUCH!
Gilbert Phiri, Swindon, UK
That's not he way to act. We have to limmit to enjoy with races and sport. if we don't like hamilton, just we must ignore him and not to attack. perhaps Hamilton has to forgive Fernando too. his declarations each time he watchs a microphone don't help to eradicate this horrible kind of manifestations. is the responsabilty of each one to finish with this (our, the press and principal the drivers which acttitude has special relevance)
Fermin, Jaen, Spain
Spanish abuse! You don't know the half of it!
I live here, and you want to see the way they treat WHITE British residents! Bulldoze their homes, cheat them out of their life's savings. And that is only the start.
Wait till the Spanish GP. It will be a display of abuse not seen before in F1.
Peter Harrison, Mojacar, Almeria, Spain
Racism in Spain is rife, you only have to listen on the football terraces of Barcelona/RealMadrid for a good indicator of this.
It amuses me however that the Spanish are so racist as a nation when we all know they are 1/4 Europen and 3/4 African, they really should speak to their grandmothers about the Moorish occupations, as there is no question they have Negro blood running through their veins.
Justin
GREAT BRITAIN
Justin Brown, Bristol, England
racism must be always rejected, and this behaviour must be annulated!!!
It is very funny to read Britons believing its country is free of this behaviour....Please mention a country which is absolutely free of it!
The worse way of racism is the ignorance.
FA keep improving the Renault car -while LA is being declared Saint by Edd G-!!
I think EG does not represent de objectivity of the British common sense, his vulgar partiality shows him as an undissimulated southlander man.
Javier, Córdoba, Argentina
Does anyone really think Hamilton is gives a damn about some idiots who have to show how much they hate him – whether it be at the track or on blogs such as these? If I were in his shoes I'd happily go about doing the best job in the world – winning F1 races – and let you poor vitriolic wasters continue to vent your soured spleens in vain!
Matt Black, London, UK
Where is the racism in what they said? To be racist, they would have to be saying that he is inferior because of his race, not merely use an adjective - in this case his mistaken blackness (he is after all not even black, he's mixed race) - within their angry comments/insults. I see no racist comment that says he is "rubbish" etc *because* he is "black"/mixed race. As for dressing up, if people don red wigs to parody someone they like/dislike, or similarly dress to look like a cricket/tennis star, we don't say that is racist or sexist, even though colouring of their skin is involved. So why here?
We have got to be more intelligent in our thinking, else everything becomes an -ism. They hate him because of Alonso. A few might hate him out of real racism. But many are simply using "black" as a descriptive adjective, as others would use "you childish fool, you fat idiot, you thin skeleton, you white imposter, you deceiving, lying, non-working son of an MP..."
Laura Roberts, London, UK
In every country, there are SOME hooligans showing the worst part of human being.
Publish that kind of article, take out the worst part of many people, that I am sure do not behave like those guys at Montmeló.
You only have to read some of the comments here.
Should be great if Ed, stops trying to justify L Hamilton behaviour last year or qualifying F Alonso behaviour last year. The party is already over, and nobody (except Ed Gorman) wants to read new oppinions about that.
There is a wonderful F1 world beyond LHamilton/RDennis/FAlonso´s last year affair, and all of us (I guess) are waiting for news about this new season.
IDR, Madrid, Spain
Spain has freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Some use it for different ends. They should not be condemned for being free to express themselves.
We have lost our right to express ourselves in the the UK, regardless of content or message, we should be allowed to do it.
darren, London,
And I bet those who shouted at him go weak on their knees as soon as they see a beautiful black girl walking down the street with her jeans showing her round hips. I've seen it. What can I say? In Spain there are many mixed race people these days , many black Spaniards, Latino Spaniards,Asian Spaniards, and so on and so forth , it's just a question of time until this sort of attitude will be penalized by law. Ignorance though is a matter of education and unfortunately there are many ignorants in this world because what is racism but ignorance, and remember that in this country we came from the moors, we look like moors and we are the darks of Europe. Unfortunately there are many morons living here as you can see. We'll work to make things better, sorry Lewis. It's good foreign press putting pressure as in Spain they feel ashamed of this sort of behaviour from their fellow countrymen
Antonio, Madrid, Sp
First of all, Racist abuse and behaviour is unjustifiable and disgusting. I hate fellow spaniards doing that. By the way, most people in Spain despise Aragones and want him sacked.
On the other hand, your report is as biased as ever. People do not like LH for 2 things: 1) His continuous criticism and abuse of FA (Remember your recent "LH keen not to behave as FA", and it's only a sample). 2) I agree with IDR. The Hungaroing affair was not as you described. Nobody mind the insults LH may or may not have uttered. What people mind is that it was FA's turn to enjoy the extra lap and LH stole it. At the end, both drivers performed the SAME number of laps, but FA was blamed for taking an unfair advantage. We can not help noticing how you keep forgetting those "little details" whereas vividly remembering others. If LH openly speaks of FA trying to get privileges, you say nothing against that. If FA does not deny fervently enough that McLaren privileged LH, you say he is a bad sportsman.
Indalecio, Malaga, Spain
Proof, if it were needed, of just how spooky, weird and sad racism is.
Paul Bowen, London, England
Equanimity in the face of such foolishness is what is required. Never listen to them, never look at them and never argue with them. Just drive Lewis!!!
Dapo, London , England
Maybee its just me but this is a bit over the top !! ... anyone rmember the black & white minstrel show ?? I am just about old enough, this is nothing more than light hearted banter..get a grip !!!
Andy cooper, Oxford,
Yes, it may appear racist, but mainly if the British media want it to be so. In the first place, it was the English media in their usual overzealousness to over market a British sports person and possibly to over promote a Black person(to show the are not racist), that caused the Spanish animosity against Hamilton.
I never had any interest in racing, but the over celebration of Hamilton and demonising of Alonzo irked me so much that I prayed for Hamilton to lose. I celebrated the loss of Hamilton just because I found English media highly irritating.
I also know that I am not the only non-English person in Britain who gets irritated by English media.
Just stop being too patronising and over excited about English sport men and women, to retain your appeal to the world.
Ezhi Opfu, London, UK
Hamilton is receiving just what he deserves. He can`t be called
"square headed" or "albino" or "spaghetti" or "moor", so people call him something that fits. If he wore thick glasses we would call him "four eyed".
Where is the British senese of humour?
Indauchu, Bilbao, Spain
As a Spaniard, I do feel ashamed of these "fans" and find it disgusting that some people try to defend their attitude. But then, this was in Catalonia, the most xenophobic and racist region in Spain. Anyone without centuries-old Catalan origins is treated as a second- or third-class citizen here.
Juan, Barcelona, Spain
Racism is wrong. Surely, we can agree on that?
No-one gets to F1 unless they are utterly driven to succeed, and believe they are the best. This is the same for both FA and LH. I really enjoyed FA's title-winning years as it was a breath of fresh air for a sport that I was becoming disillusioned with; I've watched since 1985. McL employed FA and LH to race for wins, and both drivers were evenly matched, much faster than anyone expected. McL have a history of no #1 driver. Even Senna and Prost were given equal equipment, and told to go and race. LH was wrong at Hungary, as was FA in his retaliation, and blackmail threat to the team. FA showed he is flawed, as was Senna. Having seen LH race in F Renault, I believe he is from the very top drawer. As is FA. I think it's time, everyone took a breath, and enjoyed a potentially great 2008 season. If Renault can provide FA a competitive car, I'd love another 3-way title fight. Love Spain, hate the emnity that seems to be building between us
Scott Smith, London, UK
The Spanish have always been racist. You only had to read the comments section of the Times during last season to read some of the racist stuff that appeared against him and the British generally. This is not at all surprising. Hopefully the media and authorities will keep all over this and continue to highlight them as the worst fans of any sport in Europe.
Alison, London,
It's sad and pathetic that there are people from Spain commenting here and are refusing to condemn racism and even promoting it! How the hell can he deserve racist taunting?!
It's a shame that those 'fans' in the photo along with people like Jose and Alberto are representing Spain in such a way, as I'm sure the majority of the country are not like that.
Please, think about what you're doing and saying!
@ Stephen from Perth - I saw many articles about the Symonds incident and there was a lot of concern. However there was also a lack of hard evidence (in this case we have photos and TV coverage), and therefore it would have been wrong to presume Harbajan was guilty until proven so.
Matt, Warwick,
Racial abuse is a disgrace, but I cannot see the problem of dressing up as a black person. If Hamilton were to be blonde, they would have dressed up as blondes. Is that wrong as well?
Jose Pedro, Murcia,
Ed, not sure if you have noticed the implications of your latest article, in case you haven't noticed, here we go:
you wrote many articles and opinions last year to make your point of Alonso's fool play in Hungary. As per your point of view, the whole incident was only Alonso's fault and he was fairly punished, as he denied pole position to LH. according to your point of view, Hamilton was only being a naughty boy when he did not let Alonso through on the first lap, (and he even apologised to the team, wow!)
today, you come up with a supposed exclusive, which, if we believe and give credibility to it (why wouldn't we?), could mean that it was Mclaren who stopped Hamilton in the pits, and Alonso only followed team orders.
i'm sure you grasp the irony here, because the only way out of here for you is either retracting from your comments last year, or admitting in the newspaper that you have been fooled by your source of this latest news in the Hungary affair.
Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
IDR from Madrid.
It is Carnaval next week but you are being a little naiive to say that is why people are dressing up in front of Lewis Hamilton. There are just a few Spanish who are racists and want to be unpleasant. Don't they understand that if Spain is disqualified from hosting F1 races it will have a devasting effect on Spain but also on its No 1 driver.
I love Spain, I lived there for 5 years, I love the Spanish people and I am a great fan of Fernando Alonso, I have a huge amount of respect for him. However, whatever nationality, I do not like racists comments. There is no need to get personal.
Jed, Shepton Mallet, Somerset
This is a very disturbing story.
Whilst I am sure most spaniards are not racist it seems that too many people find this reported behaviour acceptable.
It does not matter what went on between Alonso and Hamilton, it is only a sport. Sport is by definition for fun.
I am not an F1 fan, it is too boring for me. But please accept that there is no place in any sport for racism.
Mike, Essex,
I invite anyone on this board who claims this is racist, to actually cite the racism.
To be racist, these people would have to be claiming that Lewis Hamilton is inferior because of his race. I have not seen this in any visual or verbal representation during this incident. Obviously those people claiming racism have seen/heard such evidence, so kindly provide it.
If you cannot, you must withdraw your claims of racism. Because merely using the adjective "black" is not racism, even within an offensive/rude/disapproving statement. Dressing up as someone is not racism. Mimicking someone is not racist.
Where exactly is the racism?
Laura Roberts, London, UK
Conclusion:
Spaniards wouldn't know racism if it hit them in the face. Nice to know that our European partners (!) are so enlightened isn't it? How much more of this must we all suffer before Spain are rejected from all international sport - they are a disgrace.
Tom Fawcett, Brixton, London
PF from Valencia, your attitude of judging everyone by the same standards makes you as racist as the ones you are criticizing,I'm afraid.
ana, barcelona, Sp
Isn't it about time that people with even 10% negro blood are no longer termed 'black'. Surely if they are any colour it would be 'white' , if that really exists. Hamlton, 'black' ? Barak Obama 'black' ? A man who never knew his Kenyan father,who was brought up by his English mother, who speaks excellent grammatical English and yet the press and everyone call him an African-American. At what stage do you cease to be 'black'? I am white, old colonial and live in Tanzania and just don't understand it, unless it means we deep down are still very racist. Maybe that is why the Spanish behave in that instance with Hamilton, because they probably all have some African blood somewhere down the line and are peddaling away from that idea as fast as they can.
R. Corfield, Arusha, Tanzania.
Wow, I don't know what I find more reprehensible, the comments and even the picture above or the people who try to defend it here. The Spanish authorities should have immediately banned these people from the location. If you want to blame anyone for portraying Spanish fans poorly, it is them and not the newspaper.
thomas, Lyon,
I am not surprised by the distorted views of the spanish. Having lived here for a while now it does not surprise me that they behave like this. I think all of the people who have been saying there is no racism just need to look at the picture of those brainless fans, they are probably the same ones who were at the bernabeu a few years ago. For a country with such a high rate of immigration from africa and south america it shows complete naivity and stupidity, perhaps its still the grasp franco has on spain, who knows? Im not just talking about this particular incident, i have seen it all over the place.
You dont see the faults of your own driver just as you said the english media dont see the faults in their´s, its just patriotic spin ive seen both sides of it.
HG, Madrid, Spain
I live in Spain and having lived in several other European countries I can safely say that the Spaniards are the most racist people I have had the misfortune to live amongst. It comes naturally to them and so they can't even recognize it. It is not a minority, all reporting on Hamilton here stinks of pure hatred and derision.
I have seen the incidents mentioned here on Spanish TV accompanied by presenters grinning widely. Spaniards are proud of those cretins with their faces blacked out and think it's all jolly good fun.
Perhaps they honestly don't see their behaviour as racist, in which case a nice hefty fine, or better still cancellation of the first ever Valencian GP might wake them up and cause them to think twice before opening their mouths next time.
PF, Valencia, Spain
......Lewis is intelligent enough to rise above all of this. Whether it was racist or not HAmilton has to recognise that being as talented as he is there will be abuse and attempts to topple him from his well earned lofty position in F1.....but do not get me wrong, i think that if there was some racial taunts aimed towards Lewis it is wrong on so many levels.......but with a country clearly entrenched with problems culturally and more specifically racially i am not surprised.
......the humerous side of things is that these "people" who abuse Lewis think that they are being detremental to him and his chances of next seasons championship......ha, well i truly believe it will be a cake walk....he is most talented driver and more importantly is the number 1 car at McLaren!.....if HE wants it he will get it.......way to talented no too....!
Jose, Bristol,
After having read the thread and having seen so many Spaniards comment here, I think the future of F1 ion Spanish venues will be under threat, and rightfully so. I am actually hoping for a repeat for the situation, so these measures could be triggered, but I agree, the blind authorities will make the racism level and general abuse a bit more tolerable. , in fact I would have banned the events completely, some harsh treatment of such crap attitude should be applied.
Amazing, how my attitude towards Spanish fans and Alonso have changed in last year 0- from the favourite driver, to the wimpy git he and his fans are
Oh, I do not read tabloids, in case you are wondering if Im influenced by any
frapster, London, UK
Let's hear the tapes!
R Bingham, Lauzun, France
Totally endorse TriumphST's views. It's comforting to see that people doesn't buy your gutter press style Ed.
Alfredo Nieto, Madrid, Spain
Spanish sports fans racists? Surely not
Authorities brushing it under the carpet and pretend it does happen ....yes as always.
Trevor, Hastings, UK
This is how the so called Alberto and Jose want to portray Spain, its a sad story. You guys should open your eyes and see the real world, where else everyone is trying to stamp out racism, Jose and Alberto seem to be promoting it. Wake up you two!
Tim, London,
It is equally racist to condemn all Spanish sports fans for comments allegedly made against Hamilton, but there is an ugly minority there that has not gone away because the problem is not recognised by Spanish or European authorities. Luis Aragones anyone? Fined about an hour's wages for racially insulting one of the best players in the world. And every Englishman remembers the monkey chants aimed at Sean Wright-Phillips by thousands of Spain fans in Madrid during a friendy. These people disgrace Spain, which is a wonderful country.
Chris, Worthing, England
Amazing how the English papers can condemn racism so vehemently when it happens to their Lewis Hamilton, but excuse it so pathetically when it happens to someone else's Andrew Symonds.
Stephen Mac, Perth, Aus
sorry people for some stupid hooligans (never mind where they come from). there are no excused for those act.
But there are not many people, here in this site, who can tell the rest how to act. i have read many barbarities at "the Times website" starting by the moderator ED GORMAN.
we have to learn from this situation
thanks
coretox
coretox, almeria, spain
Racism (and the issue the article should have concentrated upon) is reprehensible and appropriate action is being taken in Spain, by the FIA and one hopes the police. At a practical level, LH is a big boy now and will deal with the racist slurs which the vast majority condemn.
Little doubt LH is suffering a popularity backlash worldwide caused not by whether he used the word 'swivel' or not but because he's unsporting, mendacious manipulative and arrogant and F1 fan's began to wake up to the fact from Monaco onwards. Those issues ruined the 2007 season for both drivers and McLaren and while FA is prepared to draw a line under the episode, LH (even with ex-Autosports Matt Bishop as PR in tow) continues to resurrect the subject.
Debate will continue through the forthcoming season fueled by inaccurate reporting (is this article predicated on speculation or was there access to the authenticated/ unadulterated McLaren radio transmissions?) it's time to shut up and let the dust settle!
TriumphST, B,ham, UK
I read this report in total shock. I have read elsewhere some of the actual quotes shouted by the spanish *fans* directly at Lewis. It's wholly disgusting and deplorable behaviour. And what can we say for Spain's stellar increase in viewing figures since Alonso started driving? Fulled in the main by football fans? On the face of this behaviour, you would have to say so.
And all because their man didn't win the world title. How very, very very sad. After last year's circus act of requesting an FIA delegate in the McLaren team to ensure *fair play* it is incumbent on the spanish motorsport authority to stamp out this behaviour immediately; or the entire presence of F1 in Spain has to be called into question.
Stuart Rowland, Oxford, UK
Spanish, we are not racist. We only call him "black" because he is black and "damned" because he made everything possible so our Champion Alonso could not win last Championship, as it shoud have been. He is so conceited, pompous and hypocritical, that is unacceptable! We did and will make it thatwe do not want him in Spain. He provoked us so he got an answer this weekend.
Alberto, Barceloa, Spain (España, actually!!!)
Hamilton got what he deserved.
Jose, Madrid, Spain
Well if this report is to be believed there were definately racial tauts shouted at Hamilton;
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/04/2153239.htm
The motive I doubt was one of purely racists attitudes but just the spainish being overly passionate in their love affair with Alonso who almost seems to have a saint like quality in some parts of Spain...
They should just try to be more creative with their name calling, rather than using the easiest insults that are presented to them.
LR, London, UK
This doesn't come as a surprise. I'm sure many people remember what happened when England played Spain at the Bernabeu in 2004. Very sad.
Kaz, London,
Wondered when these methods would be resorted to by the so called grand prix fans in Spain. Knew it was only a matter of time.
Alex, London,
"Oh, diddums diddums, are the nasty bullies there again.........."
He gets paid millions to do what he does. Tell him to live with it and stick the earphones of his I-Pod in if he doesn't want to hear it. Accept it that there are people out there that just don't like you Lewis ............ and you will never change that.
Nige, Chesterfield,
It would be amusing if it wasn't so foul - the fact that our Iberian cousins truly do believe that there was no racism here. Just shows how ignorant some can be.
Mind you let's not forget this is the last country in Western Europe to have a facist dictatorship as its government! Obviously Franco's spirit lives on.
Alex, London,
There is no room for racism in any part of any society, but for it to surface in the most technological of sports with a history and ideals that are truly colourblind, the abuse aimed at Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona is nasty beyond belief.
No matter how strongly a minority of Spaniards feel about Lewis Hamilton, they have no excuse for such appalling behaviour. I would expect Spanish society to deal promptly and firmly with this nastiness and certainly hope that the FIA is not forced to penalise all Spanish F! enthusiasts because of the totally unacceptable behaviour of an out-of-control minority.
Kiwi Expat, London, Middlesex
The view from Alicia from Spain, is typical of people who cannot recognise their own reprehensible behaviour. Racism is alive and well in Spain, mostly evident in football. It is time for the authorities to come down harder on incidents of this sort, to send out a message that it will not be tolerated.
Andy, rochester, UK
Yes, Well done Alicia. You have ears all round the track then. All the newspapers report the same thing yet you are right!
Abuse of any kind in a sporting arena is the province of losers. At an international arena it is the domain of a losing nation.
Jimmydeeping, Northampton, England
If a totally pro Alonso Tabloid (and the #1 selling daily in Spain) MARCA said that there was racist abuse directed towards Hamilton, then I would believe them, as this is the same publication that helps fuel the Anti-Hamilton image in Spain. After living in Spain last year, I can tell you that 99 percent of Spanish F1 fans hate Hamilton. And I want to really stress the HATE part!
Dholio, Vancouver, Canada
We can remember the comments Luis Arragones made about Thierry Henry also. In England, if such a comment had been made by the coach, he would have been dismissed immediately.
Kaz, London,
It's no different to the way some Spanish "sports fans" treat black football players. Losing a Grand Prix race might make them think twice, if the FIA have the balls to do it.
Mike, Singapore,
This is completely unexcusable behavior.
But Ed....you have also thrown some racist insults against Alonso (just read your own piece on Renault's new car) and the english and german media did attack far too much Alonso after the spy scandal. It looked like he was the only one to blame, joint with PDLR.
So let's have a great season like last year, but noone should insult noone, and the media (spanish, german, british and worldwide) have their part of responsability here.
Pau, Barcelona, Spain
Oh Ed, and upon rereading your piece here, c'mon, stop writing half-baked truths to make your point. In Hungary it was Alonso's turn to go for the pole, as agreed between the team and the drivers, and Hamilton broke that agreement. Please stop repeating Hamilton is an awesome team player, no he is not, he is as arrogant and self-centered as anyone else, including FA.
But who cares now? Lewis lost the championship anyway. Get over it. The one who behaves like a cold hearted northern european is FA, who simply does not comment on Lewis. Maybe you should follow the same route.
Pau, Barcelona, Spain
6 people dressed as Hamilton family with their face painted in Brown. Bad taste, for carnival. Yes, is carnival time now and a lot of people (most of them childs) were dressed up at Montmeló. This not justify the bad behaviour of this 6 people, but, there is not racist behaviour against Hamilton.
People in Spain is hungry with L Halmilton because he does not stop talking about F Alonso every time he made declarations. L Hamilton was booed in Montmeló or in Jerez few weeks ago, because that, not for being brown.
On the other hand, your artlicle is a nice piece of "tabloid journalism" distorting the facts at Hungaroring for your personal interests.
Nobody is interested on the conversation between RD and L H. He tried to made an extra lap that corresponded to F Alonso. He didn't allow Alonso to made it. However this, both drivers made 11 laps in Q3, but Hamilton claim against the team to FIA to take an UNFAIR advantage, and he succeded. You know this, but you don't mention it.
IDR, Madrid, Spain
There was no racist abuse at all, many spaniards object to Hamilton´s attitude. He should learn to keep his mouth shut and concentrate on racing.
Alicia, Barcelona, Spain
At the end of the day, this 'IS' the world we live in today. A sad shame though, but a deep seated systemic triat which can 'NEVER' be truly eradicated from western society.
Olu , London,