Monaco: Formula One 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton appeared to accuse Monaco Grand Prix officials of racism in a furious tirade on Sunday after he was penalised over two incidents.
After being called to see the stewards regarding the second penalty, Hamilton said: “It’s an absolute fricking joke. I’ve been to see the stewards five times out of six this season. Maybe it’s because I’m black. That’s what Ali G says. I don’t know.”
However, according to a newspaper, it wasn’t long before Hamilton was forced into a humiliating retraction and apology after F1’s governing body, the FIA, suggested he could be charged with bringing the sport into disrepute.
It led to a further meeting with race stewards where the 26-year-old tried to repair the damage.
He added afterwards: ‘What I said was a bit of a joke, which wasn’t funny at the time.
Hamilton was called before the stewards given penalties over two incidents during the race in which he finished sixth.
ANI
First Published: Monday, May 30, 2011, 12:32