David Coulthard today defended under-fire Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and insisted racism is not a problem in the sport.

Ecclestone has been criticised for claiming that racist insults aimed at Britain's Lewis Hamilton during preseason testing in Spain were "a joke".

But Coulthard, who retired last week after 14 years as an F1 driver, has given the billionaire his backing.

"Bernie's remarks have been taken out of context," said the 37-year-old, who will compete in the Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium on 14 December.

"He was asked specifically about the events of Spain where there were four guys pictured dressing up with blackened faces and wigs. How many footballers have been subjected to racial taunts and had bananas thrown at them? It wasn't acceptable then and it's not acceptable now, but what you're talking about in Formula One is not on that level."