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Lewis Hamilton says he supports the initiative of English football clubs and leagues to take part in a three-day social media blackout to combat online abuse.
The blackout is planned for this weekend, and several other sports associations and boards have pledged to join in. At the Portuguese Grand Prix Thursday press conference Lewis Hamilton voiced his support for the initiative.
“I think for me it’s clear, and clearly in this sport, it’s clear that racism continues to be an issue, and I think social media platforms do need to do more in order to combat this,” the Briton said.
“So I’m fully supportive of the initiative. If me also doing it helps put pressure on those platforms to help fight against it, then for sure, I’m happy to do so.”
The seven-time champion adds he was often a target for abuse on social media.
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“I was subject to abuse a long, long time ago, at a time when I was younger, when I was reading social media, reading like many people do, trying to engage with people.
“But there was a period of time where I had to understand that firstly you can’t read every comment that’s on there, and you can’t take it personally. If you let those things get to you, then they can ruin your day.
“I do believe that social media companies need to do more. There’s algorithms, there’s things they’re able to see, they’re able to take steps to help and create more of an anti-racist society. That’s what we’ve got to be pushing towards.
“I don’t know all the details, but I’m really proud to hear that there are so many organisations getting involved. I’m not sure why Formula 1 is not part of that, but I hope people like Sky are for example.
“So as I said, I think I probably will follow and support this weekend,” concluded Hamilton.
