Lewis Hamilton will begin his campaign for a record-equalling seventh world title on Sunday on a grid where rivals are pushing back at his ...
Lewis Hamilton will begin his campaign for a record-equalling seventh world title on Sunday on a grid where rivals are pushing back at his passionate anti-racism message after he suggested they lacked understanding of the issues.
Hamilton will start the delayed season opener at the Red Bull Ring in the foothills of the spectacular Styrian Alps second on the grid alongside Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.
However, before lights out, eyes will be on how many knees will be down on the tarmac in support of Black Lives Matter.
Some of the 20 drivers may prefer to demonstrate their support by staying on their feet.
What appears to be a split became clear when Hamilton, the sport’s only black world champion, revealed his thoughts following Friday’s drivers meeting and a statement issued on their behalf by the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA).
It is expected that the drivers will all wear t-shirts in support of their stance against racism, but Hamilton hinted their reluctance to go further and take a knee may be due to a lack of understanding of racism.
He said he had explained his views to his fellow-drivers, pointing out that silence is “generally complicit”.
“I think it is part of a dialogue of people trying to understand because there are still...
