Hamilton criticised for spraying hostess in face with Champagne

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has been criticised for spraying a hostess in the face with Champagne after winning the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the world champion won his second race in three in Shanghai at the weekend, but his podium antics have come under fire.

Roz Hardie, chief executive of Object, which campaigns against sexism in the media, branded Hamilton’s behaviour as “selfish” and “inconsiderate”.

“The woman is not just being splashed, the Champagne is being specifically directed into her face, which doesn’t look like a voluntary piece of horseplay on her part. We think Lewis Hamilton should apologise for his actions,” Hardie told the Mail.

“She would have had little option but to stand there and take it. That is something he should be aware. But instead, he appears to have abused her position.

“It’s unfortunate that a great victory has been marred by what appears to be selfish and inconsiderate behaviour,” she added.

Camilla Long, columnist for The Sunday Times, responded to the incident on Twitter by calling Hamilton “a gold-plated arse”.

Mumm is the official Champagne sponsor of Formula One and is used in podium celebrations when drivers traditionally spray of magnum of the fizz over each other.