McLaren’s Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was honoured on Friday by the Barcelona circuit where last year he suffered racist abuse from spectators.
The subject of last year was not mentioned in speeches before the 24-year-old Briton, the sport’s youngest champion and first black driver, unveiled a plaque commemorating his 2008 title.
‘Thanks for your Passion and Support,’ said the handwritten message above the driver’s signature. The plaque will be installed on the circuit’s Champions’ Avenue.
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Others already honoured are the late Ayrton Senna, Ferrari’s seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell and Australian motorcycling great Mick Doohan. So too is local hero and double champion Fernando Alonso, Hamilton’s former team mate whose fans were blamed for the abuse after the Spaniard fell out with McLaren management in 2007. Straits Times
The commemorative plaque will grace the “walk of champions” at the Spanish GP track, alongside F1 greats such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
“Knowing I am welcome here is a great thing for me.” said Hamilton, 24.
Hamilton added: “Wow! It’s kind of emotional to be standing here, to be in Barcelona, to be here at Catalunya, one of my favourite circuits.
“To be recognised as world champion is something very, very special to me. I will always carry that with me.”
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “We’re obviously very proud to have Lewis in our team, he is a great world champion, and we are very proud to see our name is going to be incorporated permanently with this memorial.” BBC Sports
Circuit boss Ramon Praderas said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to show that you are a driver who is always welcome to Catalunya.
“Passion means Formula One and you are a part of this passion for motor sport. Keep like this for us — we need people like you.”
The McLaren driver, 24, said: “It’s emotional to be standing here at one of my favourite circuits. The Sun
“It seems to me that this plaque Lewis has got is not going to be one of those things that’s going to be repeated every year,” said the diminutive Ecclestone. “[But] I hope we’re going to see one for next year because, up until now, he’s had a terrible year through no fault of his, and I’m sure he’s going to remedy that very, very quickly.
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“The good thing about Lewis is that he hasn’t forgotten his roots. He supports go-karting and all forms of motorsport, so it’s not just Formula One. This is what we need guys to do, not to forget where they come from.”
Hamilton, 24, admitted that he found the kind words hard to handle and his voice broke momentarily as he offered his thanks. “I want to say thank you to the people here at Catalunya for having me, and for their continued support, and thank you for Bernie’s kind words as well,” he said. “I will continue to do the best job I can, and I hope to continue making my country and my team proud.” Times Online
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