F1 'must take action' on anti-racism goals - Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1

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F1 'must take action' on anti-racism goals - Hamilton

Hamilton pushed F1 to tackle issues of diversity and inequality last year

Sam Hall

Sunday 21 March 2021 09:00

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has declared Formula 1 must take action on racial inequality this year in addition to the slogans used by the sport to raise awareness last season.

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd last year, movements such as Black Lives Matter rose to prominence, campaigning to end racial inequality. In Hamilton, the movement found its most vocal supporter in motorsport.

The Briton proudly displayed the BLM logo atop his helmet and pushed F1 into acknowledging the need for change - the sport making a visual stand against racism on the grid ahead of each grand prix, but insisted more must be done to build upon last season's initiatives.

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“I think last year we had the slogans, obviously, we race as one but action is needed this year and so this was expressed to us," Hamilton said.

"I think this is what we have to continue, to have those conversations and continue to make sure action is taken this year as we continue to push for diversity and inclusion within this sport.

“I think we’re all aligned with that goal of achieving that together.”

Plans have yet to be confirmed as to if or how the sport will continue to promote the anti-racism message across the coming season.

However, Hamilton suggested a recent meeting between drivers and new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, held before pre-season testing, was a positive step in the right direction.

“It was a really good meeting," he added. "It’s already a great first step. Stefano has taken the time to sit with us all and be open in terms of having this discussion and how we can work together to improve the sport.

“We didn’t really necessarily have much of a discussion about it. They explained to us their sort of plans and we can go back to them with – it wasn’t that everything had to be done there on the spot but they are making some adjustments which I think are positive."