Anthony Hamilton has revealed that racist abuse directed at his son Lewis prompted him to question whether they should remain in Formula 1.
Hamilton, who became the youngest champion in the sport’s history last Sunday, has polarised opinion among F1 fans since he sensationally burst onto the scene in 2007.
In its most extreme form, dislike of Hamilton – particularly in Spain following his acrimonious rivalry with Fernando Alonso at McLaren last year – has manifested itself in racist taunts, such as those he was subjected to at a pre-season test in Barcelona.
In the run-up to last weekend’s season finale in Brazil a Spanish website published thousands of offensive comments, many of them derogatory about Hamilton’s skin colour.
While McLaren boss Ron Dennis insisted the team would not allow the abuse to affect Lewis ahead of the title decider, Hamilton senior admitted it had caused him pain.
“I am Lewis’s dad and my first duty is to be protective of my family,” he told the Daily Mail.
“Sometimes you wonder whether it is worth staying in Formula 1, even when it has been your dream for so long.
“We are all human and have feelings.
“When people behave as they do by taking against Lewis it hurts, and nobody wants that for people they love and care about.”