Lewis: Years before we’re rid of racism

LEWIS HAMILTON believes racism is still prevalent in society and will not be wiped out for years. The five-time world champion, who in 2007 became Formula One’s first black driver, was responding to the racist abuse suffered by England’s footballers in Montenegro on Monday. Hamilton denounced the chanting as ‘despicable and unacceptable’. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, he added: ‘It is crazy to think that in these times racism is still so prominent. It is there all around the world, which is sad to see. I don’t think the situation is going to change for a long time. I don’t fully know how it can be resolved. ‘But everyone needs to stand up against it more. Action should be taken and we should be a lot stricter. It starts from parents passing it on to kids and that then continues down.’ Hamilton will try to get ahead in the championship here having trailed team-mate Valtteri Bottas in Melbourne a fortnight ago. It has been suggested that Bottas is meaner this season, but Hamilton dismissed that, saying: ‘He’s the same as last year. I never thought he was weak.’