Champion may face probe for wearing ‘political’ T-shirt

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton could face investigation by the motorsport governing body FIA for wearing a T-shirt branded “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” at the Tuscan Grand Prix.

An FIA spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that an investigation was “under active consideration”.

The FIA does not allow political statements to be made at its event, having censured organisers at the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix.

The world champion could face investigation.

Asked whether the message on the shirt is considered political, the spokesperson said: “That’s the consideration we are looking into.”

“It is entirely his decision,” said team boss Toto Wolff in reaction to the T-shirt. “Whatever he does, we will support.

“The team is fighting against any kind of racism and discrimination — and it is Lewis’s personal fight for Black Lives Matter — and with all the support we can give him.

“It’s his call.”

The FIA decrees that competitors “refrain from manifesting discrimination on account of race, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, language, religion, philosophical or political opinion, family situation or disability in the course of its activities”.

The sporting code also forbids competitors from “affixing to their automobiles advertising that is political or religious in nature or that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA”.

Asked at the post-race press conference if the shirt marked a change in direction from the Black Lives Matter T-shirt he has been wearing, Hamilton replied: “Not much of a change, it’s still fighting the same thing. It’s just ... it took me a long time to get that shirt.”