Wolff has learned about racial injustice from Hamilton
Wolff has learned about racial injustice from Hamilton
Mercedes Formula 1 motorsport boss Toto Wolff has conceded to learning about race and diversity from Lewis Hamilton.
Following the recent death of Floyd George in the United States, Hamilton has been extremely vocal, initially criticising the wall of silence from within F1 with regard to what he has stated is "injustice".
In a later post on his Instagram page, Hamilton claimed he was "overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people", and voicing his dismay at ongoing racism, insisting that "Black Lives Matter".
Wolff has applauded Hamilton for his defiant words, and claims he has been schooled by the 35-year-old on such issues.
"We know that Lewis is always a strong supporter of any minorities and, to be honest, I have learned a lot from him as well," said Wolff.
"He asked the question once 'Have you ever had the active thought that you are white?' And I said 'No, actually I've never thought about it'. He said 'Well, I have to think about it [being black] every day because I have been made aware that I am'.
"It's therefore very difficult for us to comprehend how difficult it is, and therefore I am happy and supportive that he has come out vocal.
"He is one of the ambassadors of this sport and I think it's good."
Wolff then referred to his own upbringing to highlight his awareness of injustices he has previously experienced, making clear that every person has the opportunity, and responsibility, to act in a positive way.
Wolff added: "I was lucky enough that I was raised in a household with different nationalities, that I lived with a Jewish family for a long time when my family faced tough times, and I saw what discrimination looked like as a child.
"I think all of us have the power to make a change, and sometimes it needs events like the one that happened a few days ago in the US to trigger a massive wave of support for any minority.
"I think it's good that Lewis as a sports superstar is the one upfront with it in a sport that is very much dominated by white males.
"We, as a team, encourage diversity and we choose people purely on performance, not on any culture, religion or skin colour.
"I think all of us can make a difference. Every single one of us must be part of a movement to stop these kinds of things from happening."
Before you go...
Mexico target unchanged event with fans
Schumacher: Time for the Williams family to step down
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Haas announce Hulkenberg EXIT as F1 star's new team confirmed
- 1 hour ago
F1 News Today: Red Bull star set to QUIT team as F1 driver role CONFIRMED for 2025
- 18 minutes ago
F1 team set to axe BOTH star drivers
- 51 minutes ago
Red Bull to lose F1 MVP as true cost of Horner saga hits
- 2 hours ago
F1 pundit reveals the thing about Wolff that ANNOYS Horner
- 3 hours ago
Newey exit DATE revealed as Red Bull F1 chief set to leave
- Today 08:27
Related news
Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record
Fierce rival calls Hamilton F1's GOAT in surprise admission
Mercedes star tipped to replace struggling driver THIS season
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860