Lewis Hamilton 'not alone' for first time in F1 after support over racist abuse

Lewis Hamilton

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Hamilton 'not alone' for first time in F1 after support over racist abuse

The sport, teams, drivers and drivers' assossiation all rallied around Hamilton after the British GP

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Friday 30 July 2021 05:00

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Lewis Hamilton has revealed the support he received from within F1 after being the subject of racist abuse following his British Grand Prix triumph left him feeling for the first time he "didn't stand alone".

Hamilton was targeted on social media following his controversial win at Silverstone during which he collided with championship rival Max Verstappen, sending the Dutch driver heavily into the barriers.

Verstappen, Red Bull and fans of the team were unhappy with the scenes of celebration demonstrated by Hamilton as the championship leader underwent check-ups at a local hospital.

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Despite the publicity surrounding racism in sport after the abuse endured by three English footballers following the Euro 2020 final, Hamilton was himself targeted by sections of social media, sparking widespread support for the 36-year-old.

On his reaction to the racist comments, Hamilton said: "Nothing new for me. There is not a huge amount more to add.

"What I would say is it was amazing to see the support from the sport, from my team and some of the drivers.

"I felt for the first time that I didn't stand alone in the sport because for all the other years, all the 27 or so years I have been racing, no one would ever say anything and when it happened in 2007, no one ever said anything so it was really amazing to see the steps that have been taken.

"There is no room for that sort of abuse but if I have to be on the receiving end of that in this industry for people to become aware, then that's part of my journey, that is why I am here."

Hamilton 'wouldn't change' move on Verstappen

Hamilton made a near-identical attempt to overtake Charles Leclerc at the end of the race, succeeding by hugging the inside of the corner marginally more than he did in his battle with Verstappen.

Asked if he could explain why he was further wide when racing Verstappen, Hamilton replied: "I definitely can explain but I am not going to explain. I have been racing God knows how many years.

"I know how to navigate through corners and overtaking manoeuvres. I won't waste my energy trying to explain it. It is going to be difficult for people to fully understand.

"In terms of the move, I would probably do it exactly the way I did it. In terms of how I've reviewed it and analysed from all of my experience - my experience from over the years obviously speaks for a lot - I won't change it."