LEWIS HAMILTON has criticised his Formula 1 colleagues for “staying silent” over the killing of George Floyd and wider protests over racial injustice.
Black Lives Matter demonstrations have taken place across several cities in the United States, and in London, in the aftermath of Floyd’s death at the hands of a policeman.
Hamilton, 35, stressed that racism is not exclusively a United States problem
The unarmed African-American was arrested for allegedly using a fake $20 bill but died as Derek Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck to pin him to the ground for several minutes.
Millions of people have taken to social media to support those protesting, including Hamilton who felt he was “alone” in F1 for doing so.
The six-time world champion wrote on Instagram: “I see those of you staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay in the midst of injustice.
“Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport.
“I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.
“I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us.
Hamilton posted his thoughts to his Instagram story
The Mercedes star stressed the importance of education in fighting racism
“Just know I know who you who you are [sic] and I see you.”
Hamilton distanced himself from protests that had turned violent in some US cities, with the National Guard called in after several nights of looting.
However he insisted the death of Floyd across the Atlantic is emblematic of racial injustices still going on in Europe today.
The 35-year-old continued: “I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but with those who are protesting peacefully.
“There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change. This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.
“The way minorities are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of inequality, racism, classism and that we are all born the same!
“We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”
DRIVER SUPPORT
Since Hamilton’s post, a handful of motorsport stars have added their voices to the calls for greater racial equality, including Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc and Nicholas Latifi.
McLaren racer Norris wrote on Instagram: “I have fans and followers. Support and love. And I have power through this to lead and inspire so many. But we also stand for what’s right. This time I ask you to do something and take action.”
Ricciardo posted: “Seeing the news the last few days has left me saddened, what happened to George Floyd and what continues to happen in today’s society is a disgrace.
“Now more than ever we need to stand together, unified together. Racism is toxic and needs to be addressed not with violence or silence but with unity and action.
“We need to stand up, we need to be a WE. Let’s be better people. It’s 2020 ffs. Black lives matter.”
This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.”
Lewis Hamilton
In a lengthy post on Twitter, Ferrari star Leclerc wrote: “To be completely honest, I felt out of place and uncomfortable sharing my thoughts on social media about the whole situation and this is why I haven’t express myself earlier than today. And I was completely wrong.”
Hamilton’s team have also backed their world championship driver.
In a statement on Twitter, that directly addressed Hamilton as they said: “We stand with you, Lewis.”
They added: “We are deeply saddened by the recent developments and hope for a de-escalation soon.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
