Lewis Hamilton took to social media to clarify what many misunderstood as disparaging comments about his experience of racing in India when the country was on F1's calendar.
In an interview with BBC Sport in which he offered his opinion on F1 adding new races in exotic countries where Grand Prix racing has no heritage, the reigning world champion singled out India, admitting that he had felt "very conflicted" in the past about the country's race which ran from 2011 to 2013.
"I’ve been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere.
"I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix."
The comment drew an angry response on social media, forcing the Mercedes driver to clarify his view.
"I noticed some people are upset with my comment on India" he wrote.
"First off, India is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The culture there is incredible.
"I have visited and always had an amazing time however whilst it’s the fasted growing economy it also has a lot of poverty.
"My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in an huge arena where money was not an issue."
Please read 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2018
Hamilton's stance was that the lavish resources devoted to a track that is no longer in use could have perhaps been committed to more urgent causes in the country.
"They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need," he said.
"When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans."
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