F1 insists anti-racism activism still 'a priority'
Jul.22 - Anti-racial activism will continue to be "a clear priority" for Formula 1.
The sport's latest official statement on the subject comes after Lewis Hamilton hit out directly at FIA president Jean Todt and F1 CEO Chase Carey's alleged lack of action and leadership.
The six-time world champion was furious that not enough time was allocated by Formula 1 for the now customary 'take a knee' moment before Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
"They've come out saying they're going to be fighting for diversity and to end racism, but they're not giving us the platform to continue that," Hamilton said.
Some have argued that the intrusion of politics in Formula 1 is unwelcome, while others insist that ending racism is in fact not political.
However, controversial US president Donald Trump has now declared that he turns off live sports once he sees athletes 'taking a knee'.
"Any time I witness a player kneeling during the national anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our country and our flag, the game is over for me," he said.
In the wake of Hamilton's criticism, Formula 1 reiterated its commitment to the anti-racism movement.
"Ending racism and increasing diversity and inclusion in F1 is a clear priority," the sport said in a statement.
"We set out our plans for diversity and inclusion last November and have in recent weeks announced additional plans to create a taskforce to tackle these issues and a foundation with over $1 million already donated to create apprenticeships and job opportunities for underrepresented groups.
"We want to make lasting change and are acting to do this," F1 added.
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I don't remember Lewis needing special plans or extra support because of race when he came into F1. It was earned with talent and great support from his father. Race did not come into it. I am sure that starting preferences for any group will create problems be it black or white. There have been a large number of drivers of racial diversity from the beginning of F1 and I have never read of any problems with this until BLM.
He was getting more help and support than many young people got. He lived with his white skinned mother and his sisters till he was 12. He moved to his father at 12 because father could and would help him getting a racing career and at 14 he joint McLaren programs fully supported. Ecclestone did a lot for him too with paving the road to succes for Hamilton, and it is sad to hear that now the same Hamilton is giving Ecclestone an ungratefull disrespect. If Hamilton not understand that autosport is not a top priority for his peers unlike Basketball, Athletics,Football and Boxing.! Or is he unaware of the few succesfull white skinned sporters in that sort of sports. He is very ungratefull to all people who helped and supported him in his career and got him big "healthy" bankingaccounts. Why is Hamilton not changing his whiteskinned assistant and take blackcolored meccanics and engineers? Yes indeed because no matter what color but he wants the best available people otherwise he cannot win.Hypocritical behavior ! You want more peers in F1 ,OK Hamilton go find 10 young kids of 10 years old and pay their $ 150.000,-a year of each karting costs to let them prove to be talented and select 4 out of them to pay another year their $ 250.000,-a year of each karting costs again and than select 2 out of them for sponsoring 10 years up to their entry into F1 ! Hamilton a rich man like you with all your statements about changes spent this "little " money for their sakes and it only cost you maybe in total the sum of $15.000.000,- And than still you can't be certain of the same succes you have and had in YOUR career! Be gratefull for your talent and be gratefull to all the people who made that possible for you ! And stop discriminating now!
Lewis is not asking for special favors for people of colour. He said he faced abuse because of his skin colour.
No matter what colour, what race, what religion there will always be abuse of some sort. Some people are just that way inclined (bigots). That will never change unfortunately but it does not justify the actions of current BLM supporters. It is more a political movement than caring about Blacks. I am not Jewish but I do not see the same pathetic protests by them. If anyone had a right to do so it would be Israel and Jews. In Australia we have the same protests but based on indigenous deaths while under arrest or in prison. There are actually more 'whites' killed than indigenous people. With the Covid-19 pandemic starting a second run in Australia and elsewhere it is not the time to have large gatherings of protest people. In this time a selfish movement.
Well said Gerard.
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