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MONTE CARLO: Aggrieved McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton claimed he was being victimised after being called to face the race stewards at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Briton, who finished sixth in a chaotic contest riddled with accidents and stoppages, said the way he had been treated this season was “an absolute frickin' joke” and described his treatment as “stupid”.
Defending drivers' champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull won Sunday's classic 78-lap race around the Mediterranean harbour for the first time to open up a massive lead in the championship.
Hamilton expressed his annoyance after being punished during the race for one alleged misdemeanour and then summoned to appear before the stewards for a second.
“It's an absolute frickin' joke,” he told the BBC. “I've been to see the stewards five times in six races this season.”
Asked why that was the case, Hamilton said: “Maybe it's because I'm black! That's what (British comic character) Ali G says.”During the early part of the race, Hamilton was given a 'drive-through' penalty for a brush with Brazilian Felipe Massa of Ferrari.
He was then called in again by the stewards after a late clash with Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado of Williams, as he passed him in the closing stages for which he received a 20sec penalty which did not affect his final placing.
Hamilton said he felt he had done nothing wrong in both cases.
“Massa held me up in qualifying,” he said. “I got the penalty. He turned in to me (during the race). I got the penalty. These drivers are ridiculous. It's stupid.”Hamilton later explained to the stewards his joke.
“I'm pleased to say that he chose to return to the track a little while later to speak to the stewards about the joke. They accepted his explanation,” McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said in a statement.
Hamilton said that he felt victimised by events at recent races, complaining that he had done his best to provide entertainment by going for over-taking opportunities.
“People want to see racing,” he said. “But you get done trying to put on a show, trying to make a move.
“Fair play, if I feel I've gone too late, I'd hold my hand up to admit I've caused an incident. But that's not the case. I'll just try and keep my mouth shut and try to enjoy the rest of the season.”
After Sunday's race, according to the provisional result, Germany's Vettel led the championship with 143 points from six races, with Hamilton second on 85.
Vettel's Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber of Australia is third on 79 points.
Hamilton added: “It's not too late (to win the world championship) but it's not looking great. I gave my all today and the team did a great job.
“It's character-testing, whether it's right or wrong. I'm going to go chill, do some jet-skiing, and try to stay out of trouble.”
Hamilton made a spectacular debut in 2007 with McLaren, in a season when he was partnered by Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
He won the championship the following year, becoming the first black world champion in the sport's history.
His extravagant natural talent, raw speed and daring instincts made him an iconic figure as he established himself as one of the most exciting young sportsmen in the world.
In 2010 he broke away from the management of his father, Anthony Hamilton, and this year he signed with the management company of Simon Fuller, who also manages the career of former England football captain David Beckham.
