Bernie Eccelstone believes that the recent racism problems seen in Formula 1 are a ‘one-off’ and he has played down the FIA’s response to the problem.

Lewis Hamilton had racist abuse hurled at him by some Spanish fans during a recent test session at Barcelona. The story hit headlines around the world and the FIA threatened to drop both Spanish-hosted Grand Prix if something was done, as well as launching their own anti-racism campaign.

In an interview with the BBC, Ecclestone dismissed the incident as a one-off and explained he didn’t think it was something that was going to be a regular occurrence.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Ecclestone about the FIA’s recent anti-racism moves. “All it does, like all these things, is give attention to the people who want attention. I think in Barcelona it was the group of people who caused the same trouble at the football. I don’t think they’re fans - I don’t think they’re anything, and I don’t think they were supporting Alonso in particular. I think they just like to abuse people. It was a one-off, nothing to worry about.”

“I don’t think he [Hamilton] would be affected by it. I think he is strong enough to know it is all nonsense.

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