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Lewis Hamilton says the Black Lives Matter movement helped lead him to his seventh Formula 1 world title.
Hamilton, 35, knelt on the grid and used anti-racist slogans in support of the cause throughout the season.
The British Mercedes team also adopted a black livery for the 2020 campaign in an anti-discrimination stance.
Hamilton, who guest edition of BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Saturday, he said, “I had this extra drive in me to get to the end of those races.”
He was voted the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year earlier this month after equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of winning seven World Championships and surpassing the German’s total of 91 Grand Prix victories.
On Saturday, Hamilton told historian and presenter Professor David Olusoga: “It was a different impulse than I had in the past: get to the end of those races first so I can use that platform.” [for Black Lives Matter] and shine the light as bright as possible. “
When asked by Olusoga if he was concerned about the response to his stance, Hamilton replied, “There is no way I can be silent. And once I said that to myself, I had no fear.”
Host Nick Robinson also asked Hamilton about racism in his sport and the fact that he is the only black F1 driver.
“There are many other children of color who deserve the opportunity to grow, have an excellent education, [who could] be an engineer or whatever they want. But the fact is, the opportunity is not the same for them, “Hamilton said.
The Mercedes driver also hinted that activism could represent a new avenue for him when he retires from racing.
“The happiness and success of winning these championships is a wonderful thing, but it doesn’t last long,” added Hamilton.
Each year the Today show invites a series of high-profile guests to take over an edition of the show, each setting the agenda for a day during the Christmas and New Years period.
Other guest editors this year include Prue Leith, judge for The Great British Bake Off, and author Margaret Atwood.
In addition to Black Lives Matter, Hamilton also discussed Hamilton Commission, the program created in his name to increase diversity in motorsports, the power of sport to create positive change, electric cars and animal rights.
