Anti-racism plan: The controversy begins

The double world champion Fernando Alonso claims that Formula 1 does not need an ‘anti-racism’ plan despite the incidents that occurred at the Barcelona circuit earlier this month.

The governing body of this sport, the FIA, is considering launching an anti-racism campaign during the Spanish Grand Prix. This date is symbolic because it was on this same territory that Lewis Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse.

The Spanish Renault driver downplayed the incident and considers it more of an isolated event. He thus aligns, on this point, with the words of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, who also stated that the campaign was not necessary.

« I do not think that Spain is a racist country and that the fans are either, » explained Alonso.

« The one who claims that there is racism in Spain is talking about isolated cases. »

« The less we talk about what happened 15 days ago, the better off we will be because we are talking here about a few isolated individuals who caused these disturbances. I have not seen a single video recording of the alleged perpetrator of these insults. »

When asked if an anti-racism campaign was necessary, Alonso stated: « No, it was simply an isolated incident. The FIA’s behavior insinuates that Spanish supporters are all racists. »

The Iberian, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren last year, added that he had not yet spoken to the Briton since the events.

« No, I haven’t met him yet since the events occurred. Last season, I was treated like a dog. Niki Lauda said things about me that were horrible and no one supported me! »