F1 stars quick to respond to Hamilton’s criticism for staying silent
FORMULA One drivers Charles Leclerc and George Russell were among those to speak out against racism after six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton delivered a stinging critic of the sport for its silence.
“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,” Ferrari’s Lerclec tweeted on Monday.
“And I was completely wrong.
“I still struggle to find the words to describe the atrocity of some videos I’ve seen on Internet. Racism needs to be met with actions, not silence.” Mercedes driver Hamilton made an Instagram post late on Sunday criticising F1 for its lack of response to the death of George Floyd in the United States and current anti-racism protests.
“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” he wrote.
“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. Just know I know who you are, and I see you.” The 35-year-old Briton was the first black driver in the elite motorsport series and has previously complained about a lack of diversity in F1.
Hamilton’s father is from Trinidad and Tobago and took several jobs when his son was young in order to meet the high costs of junior racing.
Williams driver Russell said: “To echo @Charles_ Leclerc’s words, I just felt out of place sharing my thoughts on these atrocities publicly.
“It’s time we all stand together and kick racism out of our societies for good. Use your voice, spread awareness as far as you can.” Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Williams driver Nicholas Latifi and Sergio Perez of Racing Point have all posted support too.
Hamilton’s Mercedes said: “We stand with you, Lewis. Tolerance is an elementary principle of our team and we are enriched by diversity in all its forms.
“We welcome and encourage people from all races, cultures, religions, philosophies and lifestyles, and condemn every form of discrimination as we work together to drive change forward.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent developments and hope for a de-escaltion soon.” F1 hopes to hold the US Grand Prix this year in Austin despite uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Hamilton emphasised he did not support rioting or looting in the name of protest.
“I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully,” he said.
“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.”