Hamilton in blistering attack on Monaco stewards

Lewis Hamilton has launched a blistering attack on the stewards in the wake of a penalty-hit Monaco Grand Prix.

Hamilton was fuming immediately after the race, and said: “It’s an absolute frickin’ joke. I’ve been to see the stewards five times out of six this season.”

Hamilton received two drive-through penalties relating to separate incidents with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Pastor Maldonado in his Williams.

The first penalty, for causing a collision with Massa as he made an attempt to pass on the inside at Loews Hairpin, saw the McLaren ace relegated two places from seventh to ninth.

The second, as Maldonado manoeuvred around the outside of the 25-year-old at the first corner Ste Devote and resulted in the rookie crashing into a barrier, was served retrospectively after the race.

Twenty seconds were added to Hamilton’s elapsed time, although it made no difference to his finishing position of sixth.

Asked to why he felt the stewards were picking on him, Hamilton retorted: “Maybe it’s because I’m black.”

Hamilton then added, as if to make light of his previous remark: “That’s what Ali G says.” He was referring to the fictional television character made famous by Sasha Baron Cohen.

Motor sport’s world governing body, the FIA, could determine Hamilton has brought the sport into disrepute with his remarks.

Hamilton, though, was unrepentant, adding: “Massa held me up in qualifying, I got the penalty. Then he turned into me [during the race], I got the penalty. These drivers are ridiculous. It’s stupid.”

“People want to see racing, 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 it’s not the case.

“I’ll just try to keep my mouth shut and try to enjoy the rest of the season. It’s character-testing, whether it’s right or wrong. I’m going to go chill [now], do some jet-skiiing, and try to stay out of trouble.”