Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula 1, set up the ‘Hamilton Commission’ in 2019 in partnership with the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering to study and encourage the integration of young blacks and minorities into the world of motorsport.
By editing, with forget – from London
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton responded on Tuesday to racist comments made by former driver Nelson Piquet in an interview about the crash between the Briton and Max Verstappen, now his brother-in-law, at the British Grand Prix. last year.
The video was recorded in November 2021, but it only went viral over that weekend. On Tuesday morning, Hamilton posted messages on his social networks about the subject, including one in Portuguese.
“Let’s focus on changing the mindset,” he wrote. Then he posted in English that the situation is “more than one language”.
These old mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded and targeted by these situations my whole life. There was plenty of time to learn. It’s time to act.”
mercedes
Before the British driver’s demonstration, Mercedes published a note, without naming Pique, “condemning in the strongest terms any use of racist or discriminatory language of any kind”.
“Lewis has led our sport’s efforts to combat racism, and is a true champion for diversity both on and off the track. Together, we share a vision for a diverse and inclusive motorsport, and this incident highlights the fundamental importance of continuing the fight for a better future.”
Soon, it was the turn of the Formula 1 profiler to make a statement, stating that “the use of discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any way and has no place in our society.”
“Lewis is a wonderful ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to expand diversity and inclusion are lessons for many and something we are committed to in F1.”
And through social networks, too, the FIA has expressed itself by strongly condemning comments that “no longer have a place in sport or in society” “strongly”. “We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.”
In the released video, Pique refers to Hamilton several times as a “little black” and even hints that the Briton intentionally crashed into Verstappen.
Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula 1, set up the ‘Hamilton Commission’ in 2019 in partnership with the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering to study and encourage the integration of young blacks and minorities into the world of motorsport. In its first report published in July last year, the commission stated that only 1% of people currently working in F1 are black.
In addition to the titles he has won on the track, Hamilton is the biggest winner along with Michael Schumacher, the British driver has become an increasingly active voice in the fight against racism and minority rights.
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