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Lewis Hamilton called sexist for champagne antics, but fans rush to his defence

Formula One champ's bubbly blast in face of podium hostess riles some observers

CBC News Posted: Apr 14, 2015 3:53 PM ET| Last Updated: Apr 14, 2015 4:47 PM ET
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain sprays champagne at a hostess as he celebrates his victory on the podium after the grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday.
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain sprays champagne at a hostess as he celebrates his victory on the podium after the grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton's champagne antics after winning last weekend's Shanghai Grand Prix in are causing his loyal fans to jump to his defence while others accuse the driver of sexism.
After his win, Hamilton celebrated by cracking open a bottle of champagne and spraying it around the podium. Some photos captured a race hostess being hosed in the face with champagne.
As photos of the celebration spread online, some people criticized Lewis's behaviour. 
Shame on you F1 and Lewis Hamilton for disgraceful treatment of women during champagne celebration#sexism
— @CarolyneHazel
In reality, Lewis Hamilton would not spray champagne in some random dudes face on the podium.
— @RyanLewisRacing
@LewisHamilton you stupid punk u should apologize to the hostess that you squirted champagne on spoiled brat u dont deserve anything
— @enisasalerno
Others jumped to the driver's defence, saying that champagne celebrations on the podium are a normal part of Formula One races.
Why is Lewis Hamilton spraying champagne a thing? Don't they do that all the time?
— @TobiOrNotTobi_
Man shut up. @LewisHamilton was just being considerate sharing his champagne.
— @stephensaldanha
On the same day, Hamilton also sprayed third-place winner Sebastian Vettel, who drives for Ferrari, and face-spraying antics are common among drivers on Formula One podiums.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
It's not always drivers who get drenched during the festivities. About a month prior, Hamilton surprised some spectators during the podium ceremony after the Australian Grand Prix.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
Even Formula One legend Jackie Stewart, who claimed 27 Grand Prix wins, wasn't safe at Australia's Albert Park circuit. Hamilton and his teammate Nico Rosberg turned on him with their champagne.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
It's not the first time a grand prix hostess has been drenched by Hamilton. Last year, he sprayed champagne at grid girls after winning a race at the same circuit.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
Sometimes the women aren't the intended targets, but get splashed accidentally. That happened when Red Bull driver Mark Webber tried to spray his team's technical chief a few years ago.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
On Sunday, Hamilton felt a return blast of champagne on his face, thanks to third-place driver Vettel.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
And, it doesn't seem to bother Hamilton too much. He's even done it to himself before, at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, in 2014.
Formula One Lewis Hamilton
With this type of celebration being such a regular part of post-race festivities, many felt it was a bit much to call Hamilton's actions sexist.
Cannae believe the papers are saying Lewis Hamilton is sexist for spraying champagne on a hostess after he won a race
— @AndyAllison_
@LewisHamilton . Call me stupid but if you don't like champagne sprayed in your face, don't become a podium hostess at a grand prix!
— @Morgansmusing
@BBCSport - When Vettel plays champagne on grid girl, hero. When @LewisHamilton does, criminal. pic.twitter.com/KkBHwDB3Nt
— @ramonorsine
Others, however, wondered if it might be time to phase out podium girls altogether. 
Tell me is it more sexist for Lewis Hamilton to spray a podium girl with champagne or for F1 to maintain "podium girls"
— @greatistheworld
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 
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