ANTI-RACISM FIGHT TO DRIVE HAMILTON IN HIS BID FOR SEVENTH TITLE

LEWIS HAMILTON believes winning a seventh world title to defy Covid-19 and honour his anti-racism campaign would rank as the greatest achievement of his career.

But in a highly-political press conference, he also risked annoying other teams by criticising them for not doing enough to tackle inequality.

Ahead of the opening race of the season in Austria on Sunday, Hamilton took to the Formula One stage for the first time since the virus pulled the curtains in Melbourne 112 days ago, just before what should have been the start of his title defence.

Stirred by the tragic death in America of George Floyd, Hamilton has launched himself into a new career as a high-profile anti-racism activist.

Today, his Mercedes — specifically black liveried to match his words — will take him into the environment he has always understood most clearly. But he will not allow that to drown out his concerns.

‘Winning a title this year would mean more, given the momentous size of this pandemic we are fighting,’ he said. ‘And, on a personal level, the Black Lives Matter movement and battle against inequality and injustice is so important.

‘It is not going to change for our generation, but for our kids’ kids. Winning a world title will be even more significant than before.’

The drivers will meet today to discuss how to demonstrate their support for black lives.

Apart from Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel was the only driver to say anything of note. Dropped by Ferrari for 2021, he confirmed

Sportsmail’s report that he had not even been offered new terms prior to the split. He also revealed he is open to offers from other competitive teams.

‘If not,’ said the quadruple world champion, ‘it’s time to do something else.’