Wave of US politics rolls over Formula 1
A wave of politics is rolling over Formula 1 amid widespread protests and rioting throughout America.
Although the world championship is British and European based, six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton began the new trend among F1 drivers, personalities and teams by hitting out at those "staying silent" after a death in custody in Minnesota.
Hamilton's fellow drivers duly complied, with L'Equipe correspondent Frederic Ferret surmising that his "powerful and vigorous" words about the "white-dominated sport" have been "quick to take effect".
"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," said Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.
"And I was completely wrong," the 22-year-old added.
Hamilton's employer, the works Mercedes team, posted on social media: "We stand with you, Lewis.
"Tolerance is an elementary principle of our team and we are enriched by diversity in all its forms."
McLaren's Lando Norris said: "I have power through this to lead and inspire so many. This time I ask you to do something and take action."
Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian driver who currently drives for Renault, commented: "What happened to George Floyd and what continues to happen in today's society is a disgrace.
"We need to stand up, we need to be a WE. Let's be better people. It's 2020 ffs. Black lives matter."
Indian former F1 driver Karun Chandhok continued: "As part of the minority of non-white people in motorsport, I'm lucky that I've never felt any negativity.
"Others like George Floyd were not so lucky and society worldwide needs to change," he said, adding the 'BlackLivesMatter' hashtag.
Williams driver George Russell, 22, said: "We all have a voice to speak up for what's right – and until now I didn't know how to use mine in this situation.
"To echo Charles Leclerc's words, I just felt out of place sharing my thoughts on these atrocities publicly. But ultimately, no matter how uncomfortable it may be to speak out, silence achieves nothing," he wrote.
"Use your voice, spread awareness as far as you can. We're all responsible for ending the injustice."
And 24-year-old Alexander Albon, a British-born Thai driver, joined Leclerc and Russell in admitting that speaking out publicly on the topic is difficult.
"Truthfully I have been quite hesitant having a voice around George Floyd's death. I grew up in a very privileged way, shielded from racism," said the Red Bull driver.
"It's never too late to change and to address what's wrong, this is about justice and to stand up for racial equality."
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Would Hamilton have said this if said man was White. I am not racist, people are people. and i believe this should NOT be happening anywhere in the world, let alone in America the land of the free. I am glad I am English. looking forward to the first race of f1 in 2020. good luck to you Danny Ricciardo go go go
You ARE racist!
You are talking out of your back bottom Alexander. you do not know me.
Alexander, you are, as usual, off the rails. Anaya made a point, voiced an opinion, but it was not racist. HAM is a good racing driver and, I believe, a good ambassador for the sport. But, he is NOT Nelson Mandela.
Thanks ReallyOldRacer
Yes, we Americans have racial issues, but Mr. Floyd's death is a police brutality issue. Don't know about the rest of the world, but here in the US 70-80% of cops sought the job for the power. Bless the 20-30% who are there to serve and protect our freedom. When will we learn?
Thx drivers for speaking out.
Lewis, showing that he is not only the undisputed Champion off the track as well as on the track!
LEADERSHIP!
I have followed and loved Hamilton but what a hypocrite. He shook hands with Putin. A mass murder. The same with China and the Middle East. He shook hands with torturers and murderers for personal gain. I repeat. What a hypocrite