Could be just hot air...but...wow...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64973

seems like a few as*holes in the stands....

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article758713.ece

By TOM WELLS

Published: Today

RACISTS who taunted Brit track ace Lewis Hamilton during pitstops could cost Spain its Grand Prix, F1 chiefs warned last night.

The Circuit de Catalunya is scheduled to stage the Spanish Grand Prix in May — with Valencia due to host the European Grand Prix for the first time three months later.

But officials warned both could be stripped of their events if there is a repeat of the abuse during pre-season tests which are scheduled to take place at circuits across Spain before next month’s opening race.

Whizkid Hamilton — a hate figure among Spaniards after a bitter row with ex-McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso last year — faced boos and racist chants as he tested his new car on Saturday.

And last night a motor racing website displayed disgraceful photographs of so-called F1 supporters wearing black make-up and dark wigs at the track yesterday.

Up to seven racists were shown wearing white T-shirts with “Hamilton’s Familly” mis-spelled on the front and “Alonso No1” on the back.

They appeared to be screaming and yelling during the test session.

Pitpass.com, which ran the astonishing images, said: “These people are not fans of F1, they are not even fans of Fernando Alonso, for they do neither their hero or their country any good.”

A spokesman for Formula One’s governing body, 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.”

Witnesses at Barcelona’s Montmelo circuit during Saturday’s testing said sick spectators shouted “black s***” and “f****** black" whenever mixed race Lewis - whose mum Carmen is white and dad Anthony is black - made a pitstop.

Banners daubed with insulting slogans were also seen hanging from the stands. One read: “Hamilton, you speak a lot of s***.”

Uk Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe reacted angrily today.

He said: "I was shocked by those sickening images in the newspaper today.

"How on earth were fans dressed like this allowed into the circuit?

"Racism should not be tolerated and this is not the first time British sportsmen have been racially abused in Spain.

"This brings in question whether the Grand Prix should be held at this track."

Angry bosses of the McLaren F1 team blasted Spanish fans — notorious for racism at football matches — for their behaviour.

Test team manager Indy Lull said: “It is not right the way Lewis is being treated.”

Montmelo circuit director Ramon Pradera said: “We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly. No type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated.”

Spaniard Alonso, 26, quit McLaren for Renault after claiming bosses had favoured Hamilton, who finished runner-up in last season’s world championship — even though it was his debut F1 campaign.

Spain has been accused of not doing enough to stop racism at sporting events.

Last October, its top racing official Carlos Gracia claimed BRITAIN was racist — and said it was ironic that fans here were counting on a black driver.

He said: “It is perfectly normal for a British team and British fans to want to succeed in F1, but it is ironic that the racists in England are having to rely on a coloured pilot.”

His comments sparked a storm of fury across Europe.

Spanish racists have also posted sick videos about Hamilton on the net.

Ex-Sports Minister Richard Caborn last night blasted the abuse.

Mr Caborn, leading England’s 2018 World Cup bid, said: “This is totally unacceptable. I spoke to the Spanish sports minister when England players were abused a few years ago. It is disgusting behaviour and has no place in sport.”

I read that article earlier today. What a bunch of idiots.

I read that article earlier today. What a bunch of idiots.

They are idiots and they should be ashamed. Having said that, who cares? The world is full of idiots, and to punish those few the FIA is threatening to take a race away from a track that Hamiliton says is in his "top 3." This is insane. (And typical FIA) Why not just boot the offenders and leave everyone else alone?

Why not just boot the offenders and leave everyone else alone?

+1

just kick em out of the race

probably just a group of publicity whores.

:stickouttWhat a shame. Bringing such behavior to the great sport of Forumula 1...Spain should banish all those offenders to the US and force them to only attend NASCAR races, rightfully where they belong.

Kidding. But seriously, it's rather sad they would resort to that behavior.

They are idiots and they should be ashamed. Having said that, who cares? The world is full of idiots, and to punish those few the FIA is threatening to take a race away from a track that Hamiliton says is in his "top 3." This is insane. (And typical FIA) Why not just boot the offenders and leave everyone else alone?


I think people are pissed that they didn't do just that.

You know that this kinda stuff was happening all year last year. The press just never published it, or more to the point, LH and HIS publisist never made a big deal of it. I'm sorry, but it is just another angle that this guy is using to keep in the public eye. Some how it makes him feel like a better or bigger person.

I could care less what someone looks like or where they are from. I don't like LH because he is LH. I have never seen him act like a normal person in public. He always has the holyer than thou attitude everywhere he goes. No, I don't know him. All I see is in the press and i is not at all flattering IMO. MS was and is an ass. However, as far as I am aware, he never denied or tried to hide that fact.


.......flame suit engaged.......

You know that this kinda stuff was happening all year last year. The press just never published it, or more to the point, LH and HIS publisist never made a big deal of it. I'm sorry, but it is just another angle that this guy is using to keep in the public eye. Some how it makes him feel like a better or bigger person.

I could care less what someone looks like or where they are from. I don't like LH because he is LH. I have never seen him act like a normal person in public. He always has the holyer than thou attitude everywhere he goes. No, I don't know him. All I see is in the press and i is not at all flattering IMO. MS was and is an ass. However, as far as I am aware, he never denied or tried to hide that fact.


.......flame suit engaged.......

WOW! Thats because he is not a normal person.

Some say he can shift gears just by thinking about it.
They say his eyes have built in telemetry.
All we know is... we call him Lewis Hamilton

.......flame suit engaged.......

I concur with your post, very true about LH ... and MS :D, but it still does not alleviate the fact that those jerks got all racist about it.

Man thats great. haha. geez what are ppl comming to. i dont like Hamilton though

You know that this kinda stuff was happening all year last year. The press just never published it, or more to the point, LH and HIS publisist never made a big deal of it. I'm sorry, but it is just another angle that this guy is using to keep in the public eye. Some how it makes him feel like a better or bigger person.

I could care less what someone looks like or where they are from. I don't like LH because he is LH. I have never seen him act like a normal person in public. He always has the holyer than thou attitude everywhere he goes. No, I don't know him. All I see is in the press and i is not at all flattering IMO. MS was and is an ass. However, as far as I am aware, he never denied or tried to hide that fact.


.......flame suit engaged.......

WTF does this have to do with the topic at hand? :confused

I think Hamilton is great. I don't really see any reason to not like the guy. I think he did very well last season and for the Spanish fans to treat him that way is totally unacceptable. I understand they are not happy Alonso was not given the throne at McLaren, but thats just competition. May the best man win. Seems to me Spanish fans have a history of disrespecting foreign competitors.

Really? His publicist all of sudden decides to drag this out to get Hamilton more attention? Considering his accomplishments I don't think the man needs any help with media attention. Remember last season we could not get a pre-race interview from him.

There was a multi page thread on here about people expressing their dislike for Hamilton over BS reasons. Please give me some media examples of why I should hate Hamilton other than the agenda you people have of hating on the guy just cause.

Sorry to veer off topic.

You know that this kinda stuff was happening all year last year. The press just never published it, or more to the point, LH and HIS publisist never made a big deal of it. I'm sorry, but it is just another angle that this guy is using to keep in the public eye. Some how it makes him feel like a better or bigger person.

Let me get this straight...you're saying this kind of racist BS was occurring all year last year....which would imply that "LH and HIS publicist" ignored it, and only now, all of a sudden, have chosen to bring it out in the open?

1. Do you have any proof that this kind of stuff was happening last year? Because although you said I do, I DON'T "know this kinda stuff was happening all last year".

2. On what do you base your assertion that this latest issue is being driven by "LH and HIS publicist"? Where have you read that?

Not flaming you, just asking you to substantiate your facts. Or claims, as it may be.

Damn!, which law school did you pass out from :stickoutt

LOL...I know that's how it reads...I'm not a lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.....:stickoutt

Seriously, though, I just get tired of seeing people's opinions stated as fact, you know?

You know that this kinda stuff was happening all year last year. The press just never published it, or more to the point, LH and HIS publisist never made a big deal of it. I'm sorry, but it is just another angle that this guy is using to keep in the public eye.


Source/proof?

Source/proof?

You need proof to believe racism doesn't exist EVERYWHERE?? Let me guess, you just thought it was an "american" thing? Or do you think the "glorious" fans of F1 are above it? How naive if that is the case. I hope that is not true of you.

I think Nascar was the first MAJOR racing series to have black drivers....like back in 1961 or 2? Indy car was second...like 1988? And FINALLY the god above all gods of racing series..."F1" has it's first black driver. In 2007?

Damn. I can't believe that F1 and it's fans have been so "racist":)...joking of course.

7.
February 4th,
2008
2:49 pm (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/racism-hits-formula-one-in-spain/index.html?ex=1359867600&en=15254515b0a4a345&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss#comment-53200)
I am a black american and traveled to Spain in 1992. Spain is a deeply racist country. This sort of behavior is on a par to my experirnces in Spain. Spain is an ignotant backwater country. Many say that they still resent the 800 years of North African Muslim dominance and the “tinge” of african heritage that they bear but deny. Their racical attitude helps them to feel “as white” as northern Europe. What could be worse to them than a Spaniard being bested by a black person. Don’t expect more from his “fellow drivers” they are of the same mind. Mr. Hamilton will let his success do his talking and show that he is the better man. All the best.
— Posted by michael johnson

I live in the south. I need not prove racism to you. All you have to do is visit. I'm not saying it is right, all I'm saying is that it exists.....EVERYWHERE.

The southern United States get a bad reputation because of a misrepresented and sad time in the history of the WORLD. Much of the world is far more racist than the south. Parts of our own country are far worse than the south. I hate NASCAR. I know fans of NASCAR that use racist remarks all the time when speaking of JPM. It happens.

The simple FACT that someone is not stereotypical of a certain group, singles them out for racist remarks. PERIOD. LH and hi manager/publicist IS going to use the "Race Card" should things not go well for him this year. No matter the reasons. Maybe I have a poor outlook on the world. That is the way I see it though. People will use whatever they can for money, fame and the spotlight. The kind of money and fame involved in F1 simply makes it more rewarding in the end for that person.

Actually, I would love to see LH win a title. I would love to see Danica move to F1 and win a title. I could care less about what a person looks like, however, that is not true for most people in this world.

You need proof to believe racism doesn't exist EVERYWHERE?? Let me guess, you just thought it was an "american" thing? Or do you think the "glorious" fans of F1 are above it? How naive if that is the case. I hope that is not true of you.

I think Nascar was the first MAJOR racing series to have black drivers....like back in 1961 or 2? Indy car was second...like 1988? And FINALLY the god above all gods of racing series..."F1" has it's first black driver. In 2007?

Damn. I can't believe that F1 and it's fans have been so "racist":)...joking of course.

7.
February 4th,
2008
2:49 pm (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/racism-hits-formula-one-in-spain/index.html?ex=1359867600&en=15254515b0a4a345&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss#comment-53200)
I am a black american and traveled to Spain in 1992. Spain is a deeply racist country. This sort of behavior is on a par to my experirnces in Spain. Spain is an ignotant backwater country. Many say that they still resent the 800 years of North African Muslim dominance and the “tinge” of african heritage that they bear but deny. Their racical attitude helps them to feel “as white” as northern Europe. What could be worse to them than a Spaniard being bested by a black person. Don’t expect more from his “fellow drivers” they are of the same mind. Mr. Hamilton will let his success do his talking and show that he is the better man. All the best.
— Posted by michael johnson

I don't doubt racism outside the US and that's not what I'm asking proof of. The US is one of the world's most tolerant countries.

I'm asking for proof that Hamilton's PR group have gone through this since he made it into F1 and are only now bringing it out. It's complete speculation being passed off as fact, so I'd like to see the facts.

ugh, this is upsetting.... they took the F1 races out of my city and I almost cried!

Stupid complainey condo owners!

The spanish make racist chants at any sport event, some spanish football clubs have been fined and made play games behind closed doors because of it.

Nobody else got the sneaky feeling this has been blown WAY out of proportion?

I live in the south. I need not prove racism to you. All you have to do is visit. I'm not saying it is right, all I'm saying is that it exists.....EVERYWHERE.

The southern United States get a bad reputation because of a misrepresented and sad time in the history of the WORLD. Much of the world is far more racist than the south. Parts of our own country are far worse than the south. I hate NASCAR. I know fans of NASCAR that use racist remarks all the time when speaking of JPM. It happens.

The simple FACT that someone is not stereotypical of a certain group, singles them out for racist remarks. PERIOD. LH and hi manager/publicist IS going to use the "Race Card" should things not go well for him this year. No matter the reasons. Maybe I have a poor outlook on the world. That is the way I see it though. People will use whatever they can for money, fame and the spotlight. The kind of money and fame involved in F1 simply makes it more rewarding in the end for that person.

Actually, I would love to see LH win a title. I would love to see Danica move to F1 and win a title. I could care less about what a person looks like, however, that is not true for most people in this world.

Nobody asked you to prove racism exists. They asked you to prove your assertions that 1) Hamilton was harrassed like this last year, 2) media ignored it, and 3) this story is driven by Hamilton and/or his publicist.

Your response is weaksauce garbage. Clearly you're talking out your victim-or-racism-lives-in-the-south butt.

Source/proof?

Not exactly "his publicist" but...

I recall Bernie Ecclestone expressing glee at the revenue potential of having a "black" driver and ruefully wishing he had been muslim too as that would really make a lot on money...

I don't remember UK tabloid outrage on that occasion.

The FIA is absolutely ridiculous. Every little thing that happens and they are pledged to take the most extreme action possible. Sounds like just a couple of jackasses in the stands, no need to ruin it for the whole COUNTRY by axing the Spanish GP.

Nobody else got the sneaky feeling this has been blown WAY out of proportion?

Er, yes. I think that was my point.

Nobody else got the sneaky feeling this has been blown WAY out of proportion?

No. The problem is the officials failed to do their job of getting those rude fans out. Also this kind of behavior seems to happen a lot in Spain. The FIA is kind of standing up for all the other sports and saying to Spain this behavior needs to stop or we'll just stop having the races here.

Also this incident is on a different scale. Fans can criticize a team or nation as a whole , but in this case one specific person is being targeted.

No. The problem is the officials failed to do their job of getting those rude fans out. Also this kind of behavior seems to happen a lot in Spain. The FIA is kind of standing up for all the other sports and saying to Spain this behavior needs to stop or we'll just stop having the races here.

Also this incident is on a different scale. Fans can criticize a team or nation as a whole , but in this case one specific person is being targeted.

I think this was all seen through the very biased eye of the UK press who are looking for any reason to slam the Spanish.

And the Spanish don't like the english either and they are certainly not PC, Most of the antics, I believe, were pranks in bad taste, not racial hatred of the "let's get the guy and string him from a tree" variety.

I notice many of those criticizing Spain for being racist are all too happy to dish out stereotypes about the spanish...:rolleyes

Not exactly "his publicist" but...

I recall Bernie Ecclestone expressing glee at the revenue potential of having a "black" driver and ruefully wishing he had been muslim too as that would really make a lot on money...

I don't remember UK tabloid outrage on that occasion.

Do you really expect outrage about wanting more minority and middle eastern drivers in a sport that's trying to move into these regions?

Bernie's remarks weren't negative or condescending at all. That's why there wasn't outrage as a result.

"We'd make more money with more diverse drivers" isn't an inflammatory statement at all.

Do you really expect outrage about wanting more minority and middle eastern drivers in a sport that's trying to move into these regions?

Bernie's remarks weren't negative or condescending at all. That's why there wasn't outrage as a result.

"We'd make more money with more diverse drivers" isn't an inflammatory statement at all.

well, no. there was no "outrage" by the brit press because Bernie said it...

I find the brits new found PC-ness... amusing.

well, no. there was no "outrage" by the brit press because Bernie said it...

It's not because Bernie said it, it's because it wasn't offensive!

They are idiots and they should be ashamed. Having said that, who cares? The world is full of idiots, and to punish those few the FIA is threatening to take a race away from a track that Hamiliton says is in his "top 3." This is insane. (And typical FIA) Why not just boot the offenders and leave everyone else alone?

Seriously. Not to mention if I were Hamilton, I would want to not only race there, but dominate Alonso in front of those retards.

I don't think the FIA will stop races in Spain. They are playing this card to force them into cleaning up their act. Think about the money the FIA and Spain will lose if the races stop.

I don't doubt racism outside the US and that's not what I'm asking proof of. The US is one of the world's most tolerant countries.

I'm asking for proof that Hamilton's PR group have gone through this since he made it into F1 and are only now bringing it out. It's complete speculation being passed off as fact, so I'd like to see the facts.


Someone owes someone an apology...:D

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65067



http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3127689,00.html


I predict that if the brits have their way anyone who just might say "Hamilton Sux" will be called a racist