Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton - file

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

FORMULA ONE driving sensation Lewis Hamilton, who has Grenadian ancestry, says he has remained 'cool' despite being the subject of racial taunts by spectators in Spain recently.

While declining to comment on the incident which occurred during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, the 23-year-old said he had used it to gain inspiration. "I think as with everything being thrown at you, you try and take it on the chin and ride above it," said Hamilton, who has become a hate figure in Spain because of his rivalry with former teammate, Spaniard Fernando Alonso. "That film called Cool Runnings, there is a song there, Rise Above It, and for me it's useful for any tough time you might have to just rise above it."

Hamilton, whose grandfather was born in Grenada, was one of 12 persons receiving a national award during the country's 34th anniversary celebrations last week.

The British driver was rewarded by the government here after an outstanding rookie season in the F1 championship last season where he finished second in the standings driving for McLaren.

Hamilton, who flew into the island to receive the award and to be part of the independence celebrations, said he loved Grenada and planned to live here at the end of his racing career.

"This is somewhere I want to retire. I want to come back here one day and live," declared Hamilton, who was here at the invitation of the Government.

"I love coming to this island. It is beautiful. I have got some good Grenadian friends back in the UK who have always been close to their roots.

"For me, it's very, very important to me. I have always valued my Grenadian roots and I think the reason for that is because I have always come back home.

"I think I have been coming back since I have been two years old. I am very close to all of my family over here."

Hamilton is Formula One's first black driver.