Lewis Hamilton vows diversity issue will not "die a silent death"

Lewis Hamilton

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Hamilton vows diversity issue will not "die a silent death"

British driver ready to play role of "guinea pig"

Ian Parkes

Monday 6 July 2020 18:15

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Lewis Hamilton is ready to play the role of guinea pig to ensure the message about diversity in Formula 1 does not "die a silent death".

While there can be no doubt a return to racing is what every F1 fan had been waiting for, one of the sub-plots in the build-up to the opening grand prix in Austria was Hamilton's emergence as an activist for change.

Formula 1 jumped on board with its #WeRaceAsOne initiative, while there was debate as to which drivers would 'take a knee' ahead of the race.

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Mercedes drivers Hamilton's words and actions have sparked changes, but he is determined to ensure they now do not become forgotten.

"It's really, really great that Formula 1, and particularly Mercedes, have taken note of the issue we are facing across the world and decided to do something about it," said Hamilton.

"Ultimately, everything we do is not going to be enough, and we all need to do more.

"There has been awareness for a couple of weeks, and what we don't need is for it to die a silent death, just disappear and see no change.

"Somehow, and ultimately I could be the guinea pig, I've got to keep speaking out. All of us, myself included, everyone has to look at accountability and see what they can do better within their own organisation, their own team."

As to whether Hamilton will continue to take the knee at future grands prix, he is undecided. He is simply aware he has to continue to promote the message in whatever guise that may be.

"It was important for me that during this period of time I did my part, and moving forwards I need to continue," added Hamilton. "Whether that's continuing to take the knee, I don't know if there are going to be opportunities to do that.

"I definitely don't want to do it during national anthems, but definitely in the background, I will continue to try to support, to improve my education on the situation, and hopefully encourage others.

"I really don't want it to be a case of people feeling forced. I want people to be excited to be a part of the change.

"I want to encourage people to take notice and think 'You know what. I'm so fortunate to not have experienced racism, but I can try to understand what it must feel like. I don't want to feel that way, I don't want my kids to feel that way. I want to be part of the change, so in the future, our kids can lead a better life of equality'.

"That's what it's all about."

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