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Lewis Hamilton has called out fellow F1 drivers for “staying silent” regarding the murder of George Floyd and the worldwide protests that ensued.
The world has stood up against racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer. The act of police brutality was caught on film and sparked global protests with many celebrities joining in to support the anti-racism message.
Lewis Hamilton has been vocal about the issue and used his voice to slam the motorsport community and fellow drivers for “staying silent”.
“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” wrote Hamilton on Instagram.
“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.”
In a subsequent post Hamilton condemned violent rioting, but called on the leaders around the world to take a harder stance against racial injustice.
“I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings, but those who are protesting peacefully”
“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.
“The way minorities are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism, and that we are all the same.
“We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to,” concluded the Briton.
Hamilton’s words sparked a reaction from several F1 stars who joined in to voice their support for the anti-racism movement.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc explained his silence by writing “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 expressed myself earlier than today”. He went on to express his outrage about what happened and his support for the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Some of the other drivers who also voiced their support are Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.
