The Spanish racetracks could lose the hosting of two future Formula 1 championship races as a result of the racist insults Lewis Hamilton received from some fans during a test session this past weekend. The FIA informed on Monday that the foul language against Hamilton at the Barcelona's circuit, the first F1 black driver could end in sanctions.
According to the FIA's regulation, the punishment may include the races' recoil from the Grand Prix calendar. The Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for next April 27th at Montmelo, the circuit where the incidents took place. Meantime, this year the Spanish country also receives the Europe Grand Prix, which takes place on August 24th in Valencia.
"We are going to send a letter to Spain's national sports authorities to determine what happened that weekend and based on that report we will decide what measures to take", declared Monday the FIA. "The Formula 1 is a multicultural global sport... No episodes have existed similar to this in its history and we do not want them to repeat".
The 23-years-old Hamilton was booed and insulted each time his car was transferred toward the pits zone on Saturday. In his rookie season, in 2007, Hamilton remained second in the drivers' championship.
The incident focused at the group of fans who were dressed with wigs and black undershirts, which had stamped the phrase "Family of Hamilton". The Montmelo circuit administrators condemned the racist insults and did not rule out to take legal measures. They advised "they will not allow the smallest incident to take place at their locations and new measures are already being studied to be established for the last trainings".
"The certain thing is that I feel somewhat sad, I love this country and especially the city of Barcelona and its circuit, which is one of my three favourites", declared Hamiltom.
Hamilton believes the incident was due to last year's situation between him and Fernando Alonso, which prevented the Spaniard driver from winning his third consecutive F1 title, therefore Alonso switched teams and he is currently Renault's main driver.
"I wanted that (the Spaniard fans) understand my situation", indicated Hamilton. "The unique thing I have done is to try to do the best and win the championship. In no possible way I wanted to deliberate affect Fernando, but this quarrel certainly affects my image in Spain".
On the other hand, the F1 team McLaren tried to reduce importance to the incidents. "McLaren has been participated in the Spanish circuits for many years and everyone involved in the team, including Lewis, keep great respect to Spain and to the Spanish town", affirmed the motor-racing team, according to a press release.
