The Spanish federation condemns racist insults

The Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEA) has expressed its deep anger regarding the racist insults suffered by Lewis Hamilton during the weekend tests in Barcelona. It has committed its country to a path of reconciliation to ensure that no similar events occur in the future.

With the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the European Grand Prix in Valencia possibly at risk of cancellation, as the RFEA has made it clear it is unhappy with these incidents. The FIA is therefore awaiting a report on what happened.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, she said: « Following the unfortunate events that occurred during recent F1 trials at the Catalunya circuit, the RFEA wants to clarify the following points: The Federation wants to express its incomprehension regarding these events and its support for the McLaren team, and in particular its driver Lewis Hamilton. »

« Motor racing is a discipline that does not advocate violence, whether verbal or physical. »

« This type of people who confuse sports rivalry with violence must know that the federation will grant no tolerance towards them, » she continued.

« The RFEA would like to clarify that the individuals involved in this violence represent only a very small, non-representative group among the thousands of people who enjoy this sport in a pleasant and warm atmosphere. »

« The RFEA also wants to highlight the speed with which the track officials removed the banners and controlled the troublemakers. »

The governing body has asked the circuit to increase its preventative measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.