© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Recently motorsport legend Mario Andretti publicly criticized Lewis Hamilton for how the Briton chooses to fight against racial injustice.
Hamilton has been a very vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and tried to make his fight against racial injustice as public as possible. Among his many gestures, he performed the ‘Black Power salute’ after winning the Styrian Grand Prix.
However, motorsport legend and Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti says Hamilton is being ‘pretentious’.
“I respect Lewis very much, but why become a militant,” asked Andretti to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio.
“He has always been accepted and earned the respect of the whole world. I think the goal of this is pretentious. So I feel it and he is creating a problem that does not exist.
“Painting your car black I don’t know what it will do. I have met drivers of different origins, races and I have always welcomed them with open arms.
“In motorsports, no matter the color, you have to earn your place with results and that is what same for all.”
Hamilton was quick to respectfully disagree with the 1978 F1 champion.
“This is disappointing but unfortunately a reality that some of the older generation, who still have a voice today, cannot get out of their own way and acknowledge there is a problem,” wrote Hamilton on Instagram.
“Again, this is plain ignorance but that will not stop me from continuing to push for change.
“It is never too late to learn and i hope that this man, who i’ve always had respect for, can take the time to educate himself.”
