Lewis Hamilton will ‘take a knee’
Lewis Hamilton will ‘take a knee’ on return to Formula One action in Austria next month
Lewis Hamilton is poised to take a knee when Formula One returns next month in Austria.
The paddock will reconvene at the Red Bull Ring for the first time since the Australian Grand Prix was called off in March. And sources close to the Mercedes driver claim he wants to make a public show of support for Black Lives Matter, reports the Daily Mail. The six-time world champion is the only black driver in the sport’s history and has been outspoken about the lack of diversity.
He recently said: “I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice. Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport.
George Floyd’s death in the United States was the catalyst for widespread global protests demanding an end to racism. Hamilton has shared a series of Instagram posts, one including a picture of Martin Luther King praying on one knee.
NO ACTION AGAINST HAMILTON
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will not face action if he ‘takes a knee’ when the 2020 season gets underway in Austria next month. F1 has confirmed that it will allow any of its 20 drivers to take a knee in protest against racial injustice if they wish.
“This is a very important issue and we support anyone who wants to show their support in the fight against racism,” an F1 spokesman said.
Hamilton, who remains F1’s only black driver, has championed the sport’s anti-racism movement by posting a number of strong messages on his social media channels following the murder of George Floyd by a white policeman in Minneapolis on May 25.
The six-time world champion has received backing from his fellow drivers, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and F1’s managing director Ross Brawn, who stressed the series fully supports Hamilton’s stance on racism and diversity.
“Lewis is a great ambassador for the sport and his comments are very valid,” Brawn told Sky Sports. “We support him completely.”