Reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton believes he “stands alone” in a “white-dominated sport”, as he criticised his colleagues for their silence over the current protests, following the killing of a black man in the USA.
The death of George Floyd has led to both peaceful and violent protests across America, forcing some regions to impose curfews, with protests also taking place in other countries.
Hamilton has regularly used his social media platforms to voice his stance on global matters, and has previously highlighted the lack of diversity within motorsport, and Formula 1.
The Briton spends a substantial amount of his time in the United States, and has a property in Colorado.
The six-time World Champion posted to social media calling out his peers for their lack of support, saying he stands alone in a “white dominated sport”.
“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you [are] the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” he posted to 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 second post made later, Hamilton added: “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 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.”
Hamilton’s compatriot, McLaren’s Lando Norris, currently has #BLACKLIVESMATTER on his information section on his profile on the streaming site Twitch.
Hamilton used his speech at the Laureus Awards, in February, to highlight a lack of diversity in motorsport.
