I’LL FIGHT FOR DIVERSITY WITH PRIDE
Hamilton vows to carry on talking about the big issues after FIA chief withdraws criticism
LEWIS HAMILTON vowed to continue challenging Formula One on diversity issues after the FIA president withdrew criticism of the Brit racer.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem was forced to backtrack on comments made towards the seven-time world champion’s stance on certain issues.
And Hamilton has now encouraged other drivers to become “more outspoken”, a position backed by his long-time adversary Sebastian Vettel.
In an interview leading up to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, Sulayem criticised Hamilton, Vettel and Lando Norris for using the sport as a platform to articulate their beliefs on gender issues, human rights, and mental health.
Hamilton, who has become a figurehead for change in the sport in recent years, responded yesterday to the FIA President’s remarks prior to the opening practice sessions.
He said: “I heard that he clarified things on social media which is positive. That doesn’t stop us from continuing what we are doing.
“The sport is continuously growing and it continues to be an important platform to use our voices.
“Every single one of us here, within the industry, within our company, do more and speak out more on things, to spark more conversations.”
To mark Pride Month the Mercedes team will race in Baku, and next week in Montreal, with a rainbow-coloured three-pointed star logo on the front of the W13.
“I am really proud of what we are doing at Mercedes with our pride star, which is the first time I have seen that during my time at Mercedes,” said Hamilton. “We are focusing on creating better diversity within the organisation which is also so important within the sport.”
Both Hamilton and Vettel are
Formula One LGBTQ+ allies, with the Aston Martin driver featuring on the front cover of Attitude (below), a gay lifestyle magazine, during Pride Month.
Hamilton, who has been struggling to find his form in the recalcitrant Mercedes this season and finished the day 12th fastest behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, was full of praise for his old rival.
“I am proud to see what Seb does and to be an ally of his,” Hamilton added.
“I encourage more drivers to be more outspoken in the future and speak about the things we care about.”
Vettel said: “The topics Lewis is continuing to raise, the issues Lando has been talking about, are topics that are very important to be addressed.
“They are bigger than us and bigger than the sport can ever be. It is important to mention those and raise awareness, to make people aware that there are still lots of things we can improve on.”