Sky F1 pundit and former racing driver Karun Chandok has left social media divided after posting a now-deleted tweet which fans of Lewis Hamilton deemed “insensitive” and even “racist”.
The tweet which caused controversy was about Mercedes’ driver selection for the Abu Dhabi GP, and the ex-F1 driver has since clarified his remarks.
READ: Alex Albon Or Kvyat To Partner Gasly? AlphaTauri Insist They Have A ‘Plan B’
“Just to close the chapter : (a) I said that it would be good for GR & Jack to get another chance in AD. That obviously does NOT mean I hope Lewis’ still has Covid (b) GR doing a good job strengthens Toto’s negotiating position. That’s just logical & a view shared by many!” the Sky F1 pundit posted in a subsequent tweet.
He also hit out at “keyboard warriors” for their “unnecessary anger, abuse & hate” and said he was racially abused by some Hamilton fans for simply posting the tweet.
Many other Lewis Hamilton fans have been quick to criticise Chandok, slamming his remarks as “insensitive” and even “racist.”
However, there were plenty of people, including F1 digital presenter Will Buxton, who defended Chandok.
The spat also reached Instagram, with F1 fans over there debating Chandok’s remarks and one user describing Hamilton fans as a “bunch of idiots.”
READ: Romain Grosjean Won’t Race In Formula One Again After Fiery Crash