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Lewis Hamilton hits out at Formula 1 for “staying silent”

Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the “white dominated” sport for remaining silent in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Lewis Hamilton has taken aim at the F1 paddock for its silence.
Lewis Hamilton has taken aim at the F1 paddock for its silence.

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has taken aim at the Formula 1 paddock over an eerie silence that has fallen over teams in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis last week.

Hamilton, like other high-profiled athletes, has used to platform to speak out and lend support to the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

But as athletes and organisations the world over rally behind the cause, Hamilton took aim at the rest of the Formula 1 paddock for not speaking up.

“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” Hamilton wrote on his Instagram account.

“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.”

Hamilton is the only black driver on the Formula 1 grid and he made it clear that while he supports the movement, he does not condone the violence.

“I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully,” Hamilton said.

“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.”

The words of Hamilton spurred Ferrari young gun Charles Leclerc into action as he admitted to feeling “out of place” speaking out, but recognised he was wrong for not using his platform.

“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. And I was completely wrong,” Leclerc wrote.

“I still struggle to find the words to describe the atrocity of some of the videos I’ve seen on the internet. Racism needs to be met with actions, not silence.

“Please be actively participating, engaging and encouraging others to spread awareness.

“It is our responsibility to speak out against injustice. Don’t be silent. I stand #BlackLivesMatters.”

Charles Leclerc responded after Lewis Hamilton's call out
Charles Leclerc responded after Lewis Hamilton's call out

Aussie Daniel Ricciardo also responded to the call out and said “now more than ever we need to stand together” in an Instagram post.

Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton came under heavy fire after appearing to call into question Hamilton’s remarks that nobody in the industry had spoken out.

In since deleted posts, Buxton reposted Hamilton’s Instagram story to his own account with a response of: “No sign from anyone in your industry? Look again. Known you a decade and a half. Open your eyes. We see. We feel. Don’t cast us out.”

As the backlash flooded in, Buxton removed the post before tweeting: “I only meant good. I only ever mean good. I’m sorry if you thought otherwise”.

So far no Formula 1 team or other driver apart from Hamilton, Leclerc and Ricciardo has spoken out.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-hits-out-at-formula-1-for-staying-silent/news-story/7871087e219d7e5b67e061fb178e2465