Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the Formula One community over a lack of racial diversity amid the George Floyd protests this weekend.
‘Black Lives Matter’ demonstrations are taking place around the world after Mr Floyd died having had a knee pressed into his neck for more than eight minutes while being detained by white police officer Derek Chauvin last Monday.
Hamilton, 35, who has been the subject of racist abuse during his F1 career, confessed to feeling isolated in trying to combat racial discrimination in a sporting discipline he described as “white dominated”.
The six-time F1 champion posted on Instagram: “I see those of you staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay in the midst of injustice.
“Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us.
“Just know I know who you who you are (sic) and I see you.”
Protests in America have seen violent clashes with police, with dozens of American cities being set ablaze, with Mr Floyd’s death becoming a symbol for systemic police brutality against African-Americans.
He added: “I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but with those who are protesting peacefully.
“There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change. This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.
“The way minorities are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of inequality, racism, classism and that we are all born the same!
“We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”
The 35-year-old, who is widely-regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever sportsmen, has suffered from abuse due to the colour of his skin in the past.
His team manager at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, revealed the racist abuse he suffered as a small child still hurts today.
Wolff said last year: “When Lewis was younger, he was the only black kid among the white kids, and I know he was racially abused on the track.
“If, as a child, you have had to overcome abuse and discrimination, on one side it makes you a stronger personality but on the other side it also leaves scars.
“Today, Lewis has a good and mature perspective, but the scars are certainly there.”
Hamilton has recently called sport governing bodies out for not administering harsh enough punishments on offenders of racist abuse.
