[XqrkN4a0]

Adrian Sutil has spoken out in defence of Lewis Hamilton, saying that the punishments he receives could be a manifestation of racism. The Force India driver wrote in his weekly column for a Dutch magazine that he was mystified by the number of penalties the world champion appears to get.

“I have no idea how he (Hamilton) has got so many punishments. Slowly you start to ask yourself why it always happens to him. Is it his skin colour?” reads the article, in the Dutch magazine ”Formula 1 Race Report”.

Sutil is himself of mixed race parentage, like Hamilton. In raising the question, Sutil is controversially putting forward the idea that the sport’s governing body suffers from institutional racism. It is not the first time the powers-that-be have been accused of being soft on racism - Bernie Ecclestone’s response to racist treatment of Lewis Hamilton in Spain last season was that it was ”probably a joke.”

Although Hamilton fans will seize on Sutil’s words as evidence of a conspiracy, there is unlikely to be either an internal or external FIA enquiry into racism in the sport. The issue is delicate, as Hamilton critics would argue that not penalising Hamilton when he had been found to have done wrong would be favouritism.

SOURCE: http://www.forumula1.net/2009/f1/f1-...uld-be-racism/

Interesting article, nice to see him stating an actual opinion, rather than writing about next GP and how difficult it is to set up the car etc.

Though can't say I agree with his views.

[giftbestcom]

Oh yeah, poor lewis, everyone is against blacks, those evil racist whites :

[JRixlcvF]

It could be lots of things, none of which are to do with racism.

Jealousy of him just stepping into F1 and winning straight away being the main one!

[AnetTeilor]

Wow, racist Canadian pitlane lights, racist Belgian tarmac that just *made* him take that shortcut, and I guess his own team must be racist for what they did to the poor lad in Australia. Heard it all now!

[Frodogzzz]

Why the fecking hell do people have to bring racism into everything.

Sutil has just been scratched from my list of fav drivers

[UHlVExs7]

I'd rather think of even a fine punishment is also excessive. They may only need to give him 10 grid penalty for the next couple races. Give credit where it's due, I see him the one we defend for ...

Why would we give punishment to the one telling the truth that he was telling a lie. Liars are around ...

[XqrkN4a0]

Wow, racist Canadian pitlane lights, racist Belgian tarmac that just *made* him take that shortcut, and I guess his own team must be racist for what they did to the poor lad in Australia. Heard it all now!

I think its more to do with the fact others who done what he got penalised for have not recieved any penalties.

[Sensbachtal]

this is the 2nd time that this has been run
the first was last year in September 2008

[Babposa]

Oh yeah, poor lewis, everyone is against blacks, those evil racist whites :

I was not actually aware Lewis was, how did you put it? Black.

Is he not actually of mixed race decent?

But I see your point, I think. I suspect that the team has been the aim of the punishments, as opposed to Lewis, and is therefore probably borne of jealousy.

[fd8IIys2]

Sutil is an idiot!

[Sensbachtal]

http://www.forumula1.net/2008/f1/f1-...race-stewards/

Force India driver Adrian Sutil has been cautioned for overtaking under yellow flag conditions at the Monaco Grand Prix.
After the race had ended, both Sutil and Force India’s chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne were called to the steward’s office. Sutil was then reprimanded for overtaking Barrichello, Nakajima and Piquet on Lap 13, although it is understood that he will receive no punishment for the infringement.
A statement from the stewards reads, “The stewards do warn the driver of car No. 20 as to his future behaviour in relation to Appendix H, Chapter 2, Article 4.1.2b of the International Sporting Code.” Code:

Code

Sutil cautioned by Monaco race stewards | Forumula1.net | F1 News ... Sutil: Hamilton punishments could be racism Adrian Sutil has spoken out in defence of Lewis Hamilton, saying that the punishments he ... www.forumula1.net/2008/f1/f1-news/sutil-cautioned-by-monaco-race-stewards/ - 69k - 

[RuttyUttepe]

I'm not sure it would be something as clear cut as racism more jealousy IMO. Sutil unlike us has access to internal opinions and paddock atmosphere so he is entitled to his own opinions. Mark Webber has admitted in his BBC column that he feels the dislike for Hamilton amongst other drivers, stems from his success. Not only being gifted a dominant car, but having the ability to deliver where some drivers fail. Hamiltons on track aggression although great to watch, also doesn't bode well to his rivals much like his contemporaries before him.

[Sensbachtal]

http://www.formulaf1.com/2007/06/27/...ilton-in-love/

[MADwanker]

Adrian is entitled to his opinion but I think he's off the mark.

Lewis has possibly put a couple of people nose out of joint because he is so quick but I think the issues with the FIA stemmed from the relationship between Ron and Max while he has got himself in bother recently through his own fault and was rightly disqualified and the team receiving a suspended sentence.

Racism will always be around but I have not perceived the FIA being racist at all IMHO.

[Pharmaciest]

Sutil should concentrate on keeping his car on the track (although this year he seems to have got the hang of it..) and getting some points for himself and his team rather than talk non-sense.

[nitivearchit]

One word;

ROLLOCKS!

[XqrkN4a0]

I love how everyone complains of drivers being boring and not stating an opinion, and when one does, they all call him an idiot etc etc.

I disagree with him, but respect fact he is entitled to his opinion, and applaud him for not being scared to state it when its bound to cause a slight stir.

[autoloanexpert]

On and off track Sutil remains idiot.

[MADwanker]

One word;

ROLLOCKS!

[TOOGUEITEME]

I wouldn't care who the driver was, he should have gotten a personal 2 race ban. He willingly went along with it and only came clean once he was proven to be caught. Racisim has nothing to do with it. If, as many seem to indicate, lying is an F1 fact of life then one has a duty to at least lie well and avoid the stupid lies.