Race abuse of F1 star Hamilton - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Race abuse of F1 star Hamilton

Spectators have shouted racist abuse at Lewis Hamilton as the British Formula One driver took part in a pre-season test in Spain, according to reports.

Hamilton, 23, was jeered and insulted when he moved between the McLaren motor home and the team's garage at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona.

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, has now warned that any repeat of the abuse will result in action.

Reports suggest the FIA may even consider stripping the Circuit de Catalunya of its Grand Prix.

According to reports in the Spanish press, circuit director Ramon Pradera instructed staff to erect barriers around the team's paddock because of fears for Hamilton's safety.

Banners were removed and the stands directly above McLaren's garage were cleared of spectators to ensure that no debris could be thrown down when the car returned to the pit lane.

"We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly," Mr Pradera said. "No type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated."

A spokesman for the FIA said: "The FIA is surprised and disappointed at the abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton.

"An act of this kind is a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the FIA statutes and any repetition will result in sanctions."

Last season, Spanish driver Fernando Alonso failed to clinch a third straight championship after he joined McLaren from Renault. Alonso finished third in the drivers' standings, while rookie Hamilton was second. Alonso has since rejoined Renault.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity