There is a lot at stake

Lewis Hamilton spoke yesterday about his sadness at being taunted by twisted Spanish racists at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Saturday. He said: “Even though I thought something like this might happen, it wasn’t pleasant.” He added: “I feel quite sad.”.

Last night there was growing pressure for Spain to be stripped of its right to host F1 events in the wake of the vile display.

Britain’s former F1 champion Damon Hill called for the country to lose its Grand Prix in May and the European Grand Prix later in the year – while Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe pledged to raise the issue with the Spanish government. F1’s governing body, the FIA, has demanded a full report from Spanish officials on the incident before making a decision.

Lewis is a hate figure in Spain after bitter rows with ex-McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso.

Don't these idiots realise that a lot is at stake here. The prestige, the income and the pleasure that these races will bring to Spain are all at risk. Surely the Spanish fans hate him because because of his relationship with his team mate and the damage that they feel he did to Alonso's chances of winning last year, not because he is black. Wearing black make up, wigs and T-shirts with "Hamilton's Family" written on the front is neither funny nor clever.