HAMILTON READY TO DEFY F1 RULES IN PROTEST VOW

LEWIS HAMILTON goes into a potentially historic Russian Grand Prix threatening to defy Formula One bosses by breaking their anti-politics rules. The six-time world champion wore a T-shirt carrying the slogan: ‘Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor’, on the podium at Mugello a fortnight ago — a reference to the death of a black medical worker during a botched drugs raid in Louisville, Kentucky, in March. After looking into the apparent breach of the FIA’s non-political regulations, the sport’s governing body will ‘clarify’ what can be worn ahead of Sunday’s race, where Hamilton can match Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories.

Sportsmail understands that Hamilton will be told he cannot wear crusading messages during the podium ceremony, though he may be allowed to do so while he takes a knee before the race. ‘Lots of rules have been written for me over the years, but that hasn’t stopped me,’ said Hamilton. ‘I have not spoken to the FIA. What was really positive was the support I got from the fans. I don’t regret a single moment of it. ‘I usually follow my heart and do what is right. ‘I did something that has never really happened in Formula One before, and obviously they will stop it from happening again. ‘People say sport is not a place for politics, but it is about human rights issues. ‘We have a huge group of amazing people from different backgrounds and cultures who watch our sport and we should be pushing positive messages to them, especially about equality.’