Fernando Alonso has defended Spain's Formula One fans, saying the recent abuse of Lewis Hamilton was an "isolated thing."
Double world champ glosses over Hamilton abuse
Fernando Alonso has defended Spain's Formula One fans, saying the recent abuse of Lewis Hamilton was an "isolated thing."
Hamilton was subjected to racial taunts from a few spectators during a pre-season test at Barcelona earlier this month.
The incident led to widespread condemnation as well as the FIA threatening to axe both the Spanish and European grands prix - the latter to be held in Valencia - should there be any repeat.
However, Alonso has defended his compatriots, saying it was an isolated incident and that Spain's F1 fans should not be branded racist because of it.
"This is not a racist country," Alonso told
AP. "This was an isolated thing.
"The less we talk about what happened 15 days ago the better, because that's a completely isolated case from someone who was celebrating carnival.
"I haven't seen any video or recording of the alleged insults."
He added: "Last year they called me a dog in a few races. Niki Lauda said those things about me and no one came to me to show me their support."
