Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has defended Lewis Hamilton after the social media backlash that hit the Brit following his comments on F1's former Grand Prix in India.
The five-time world champion said he had felt "very conflicted" about racing in India given the contrast he observed between the lavish settings surrounding the Indian GP and the country's perceived level of poverty.
Angry Indian fans perceived those comments as derogatory, forcing Hamilton to take to Twitter and Instagram to clarify his thoughts.
As far as Wolff is concerned, it was a case of some "thoughtful" feelings expressed by the Mercedes driver that were completely misconstrued and taken out of context.
"It is once again unbelievable to me how the words and the meaning of Lewis get spun out of context in this way," said Wolff in a statement.
"He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors.
"He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion.
"The only fault here lies with the people who have twisted his words to mean something else entirely."
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