Lewis Hamilton has thanked the 13 Formula 1 drivers who chose to kneel with him before the start of the Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton confirmed that he only decided Saturday night after qualifying that he would choose to make a gesture that is considered a declaration of support in the fight against racism and the battle for equality.
The six who abstained were Max Verstappen from Red Bull, Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, Carlos Sainz from McLaren, his Alfa Romeo teammates Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, and Daniil Kvyat from AlphaTauri.
With the exception of Hamilton, who was a “Black Lives Matter” shirt, the other 19 wore shirts with the phrase “End Racism”.
In evaluating the very public display when F1 returned to racing action after a 217-day absence, Hamilton said: “I honestly don’t know everyone’s different reasons or opinions.
“I know some of the opinions of some of the drivers, but that is somewhat private and I would not like to share it, but I think that ultimately no one should be forced to enter a scenario where they should kneel down.”
Directing a flawed news article a second time over the weekend, Hamilton added: “I really would like to correct [something] because there is a story out there that is really wrong.
“When we did the drivers briefing, Seb [Vettel] and [Romain] Grosjean mentioned it and asked the drivers if they would, and there were several who said no.
“I let everyone say what they wanted to say, and I just opened up to them and said, ‘Look guys, I will, but you do what you think is right.’
“I am very, very grateful to those who knelt beside me. I think it is still a really powerful message.
“But if you kneel or don’t kneel or not, that’s not going to change the world. It’s a much bigger problem worldwide than something as small as that.”
“For me personally, everyone was entitled to their own personal choice, and for me personally, that’s what I felt was the right thing to do.”
Explaining his reasons for choosing not to kneel, through his Twitter feed, Verstappen said: “I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I think everyone has the right to express themselves.” [sic] at the same time and in a way that suits them, “adding that he respects and supports” the personal choices each driver makes. ”
As for Leclerc, although he also opted against such action, he said: “This does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism.”
“I think that what matters are facts and behaviors in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be considered controversial in some countries.
“The 20 drivers are united with their teams against racism and prejudice, while adopting the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting the commitment of Formula 1 and the FIA.”
Before you leave…
Vettel has little confidence in this year’s Ferrari
Haas confirms that overheating brakes caused double DNF in Austria
.
