F1 chief Ecclestone dismisses Hamilton racism row

13 April 2012

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed the recent racism row surrounding Lewis Hamilton as "a one-off."

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."

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