Race abuse for Formula 1 star Hamilton

Published on Monday 4 February 2008 09:28

FORMULA 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been subjected to racial abuse by spectators during a pre-season test in Spain.

The McLaren star was jeered and insulted when he moved between the McLaren motorhome and the team's garage at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona, on Saturday.

Pictures taken at the circuit show some spectators aiming abusive gestures and mocking Hamilton by wearing wigs and dark make-up.

It is thought the abuse stems from Hamilton's rivalry last season with former team-mate Fernando Alonso, the Spanish two-time world champion, who is now at Renault.

McLaren have attempted to play down the problems but the sport's governing body, the FIA, have pledged to take a hard line on any future incidents.

A team statement read: "Everyone connected with the team regards Spain and the Spanish people with great affection."

But the FIA warned that Spain could be stripped of its grands prix as a result of such incidents.