F1 chief Ecclestone dismisses Hamilton racism row

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ecclestone also insists the decision by world governing body, the FIA, to launch an anti-racism initiative is unnecessary.

Racists: Bernie Ecclestone insists these scenes during testing in Barcelona were a 'one-off'

Ecclestone's comments stem from an incident in a testing session in Barcelona a fortnight ago when Hamilton was abused by a small minority of people.

The furore prompted a positive response from the FIA, who conceded they were "appalled" by the ugly scenes witnessed at the Circuit de Catalunya.

At this year's Spanish Grand Prix that runs from April 25-27, the FIA will launch their 'Racing Against Racism' campaign.

But a somewhat dismissive Ecclestone said: "I don't think it's necessary.

"All it does, like all these things, is give attention to the people who want attention.

"I think in Barcelona it was the group of people who caused the same trouble at the football.

"I don't think they're fans; I don't think they're anything, and I don't think they were supporting (Fernando) Alonso in particular.

"I think they just like to abuse people. It was a one-off, nothing to worry about."

Ecclestone's comments almost border on complacency given the number of racism issues that have occurred in the past at football games in Spain.

The FIA and Ecclestone have the power to pull the plug on the race in Barcelona should another incident occur.

But Ecclestone added: "We'd have to have a look it if anything like that happened, but this is just an isolated incident."

Ecclestone is at least convinced Hamilton has the character to brush the matter aside.

"I don't think he would be affected by it. I think he is strong enough to know it is all nonsense," insisted Ecclestone.

The 77-year-old also feels Hamilton will continue to make an impact in the sport this year after an astonishing debut season when he came within a point of winning the world title.

"He was under no pressure at all last year, but this year he is going to be under pressure, and that's the problem," added Ecclestone.

"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."