Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams and the curious case of Mr. Nastase

Lewis Hamilton praised Serena Williams for her reaction to a clumsy and appalling attempt at humour by former tennis star Ilie Nastase.

In response to Williams recently revealed pregnancy, Nastase was quoted by British media with the following pun: "Let's see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?"

The 35-year-old, who won 23 Grand Slam titles, responded on Instagram to the controversial remark which she labeled as "racist".

"Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words...you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I will rise," she wrote, citing from a poem American writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

Lewis Hamilton relayed the post on his own Instagram account to his over four million followers.

"I've only just heard about it today," the Brit told the media in Sochi.

"I'm very much with her in what she said and I thought it was beautiful what she wrote, as a powerful independent black woman I just think she's awesome.

"She's not only one of the greatest people I know, she's just a born leader...reading what she's written just inspires me and hopefully inspires others."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Thursday in Sochi

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.