DON’T LEW DARE DO IT

Boss Wolff: I’ve told Hamilton not to kneel

MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff has revealed he warned Lewis Hamilton not to protest during the United States National Anthem following a discussion on a flight back from Japan.

Hamilton (right), who could be crowned Britain’s first quadruple world champion here in Austin today, is not expected to kneel during the playing of the Star-spangled Banner despite admitting his support for the movement.

The Englishman, Formula One’s first and only black champion, had considered following in the footsteps of a series of NFL players who have protested racial inequality in the country.

But on board Niki Lauda’s private jet – following the conclusion of the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month – Wolff told Hamilton that he did not believe it would reflect positively on the Briton or the Mercedes brand.

“I feel very much aligned with him on human rights so from a personal perspective I could understand where he was coming from,” said Wolff.

“But on the other side, we discussed that even if you feel strong about showing your support against racism and human rights, that it is not our country, it is not our anthem, and you are offending many Americans that might have a strong view on the flag.”