Lewis Hamilton has been forced to clarify his comments regarding India after describing the “conflicted” feeling he had each year Formula 1 visited.
The Briton was explaining his feelings around the sport’s decision to add Vietnam to the calendar in 2020, stating if he was in charge he would concentrate on having more races in historic motorsport countries in Europe and elsewhere.
He then alluded to India being “poor” which caused somewhat of a backlash from fans.
“I noticed some people are upset with my comment on India,” he wrote on Instagram.
“First off, India is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The culture there is incredible. I have visited and always had an amazing time however whilst it’s the fastest growing economy it also has a lot of poverty.
“My reference was that a Grand Prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue.
“They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need.
“When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest.
“However I have met some amazing Indian fans.”
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It is a comment that makes a lot of sense, particularly given the Buddh International Circuit joined F1 in 2011 only to fall off two years later and certainly the benefits a race was supposed to bring never came to fruition.
For motorsport boss Toto Wolff, the response was also another example of how every word Hamilton says is scrutinised.
“It is once again unbelievable to me how the words and the meaning of Lewis get spun out of context in this way,” the Austrian said in a statement.
“He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors.
“He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion.
“The only fault here lies with the people who have twisted his words to mean something else entirely.”