London: Lewis Hamilton has been the target of racist abuse on social media after his victory at Sunday’s British Grand Prix.Hamilton received a 10-second penalty after a collision with title rival Max Verstappen during the first lap of the race, which led to the Dutchman crashing out.
Mercedes, F1 and governing body the FIA condemned the abuse in the strongest possible terms.
These people have no place in our sport, read a joint statement.
We urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
Formula One, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: We have seen it in the football in the European Championship and the abuse that is absolutely not acceptable, and the same yesterday, and I still question whether some just don’t get it.
This is not acceptable and we will react to it.
Verstappen’s team Red Bull Racing said it was disgusted and saddened at the abuse directed towards Hamilton.
While we may be fierce rivals on-track, we are all united against racism, the team said in a statement. We condemn racist abuse of any kind towards our team, our competitors and our fans.
There is never any excuse for it, there is certainly no place for it in our sport and those responsible should be held accountable.
Former Formula One driver Alexander Wurz, who is chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association which represents all competitors on the grid, said racism and abuse of any kind is unacceptable and added that the drivers’ union absolutely condemn any such behaviour.