Racist abuse is no joke - Hamilton - Sport in brief

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Formula One supremo Ecclestone made the claim when asked about the insults directed at Hamilton by a small number of spectators during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona, in February. In an attempt to defuse the row, Ecclestone declared it had been blown out of proportion and stated he did not understand why the scenes were insulting.

But Hamilton refused to trivialise what happened and revealed it was the support of his fans that enabled him to overcome his anguish. He said: "I didn't see it as a joke. It's something that happened but it is in the past."

He added: "What's more important to me is that I had a lot of support, especially from UK fans.

"As long as I have my country behind me it makes me very proud. It makes me very proud to see my fellow countrymen holding up the flag.

"All the other stuff I need to put behind me. I don't generally keep up with what's being said and I haven't read what Bernie said.

"But I know Bernie and have a huge amount of respect for him."