Six-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton gave a black power salute and vowed to spend the rest of his life fighting racism after winning the Styrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
After winning the event in Austria, which took place in front of empty grandstands due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he raised a clenched fist on the podium in scenes that evoked the actions of sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
“Racism is going to be here for longer than our time here,” Hamilton said.
“People of colour who are subject to racism don’t have time. We have to commit to push for equality and continue to raise awareness.
“A lot of work needs to go on in F1, the [governing Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile] need to be part of it, the drivers need to be a part of it. We are going to be fighting and pushing for it all year. For me this is going to be a lifelong thing.”
The 35-year-old is Formula One’s only black driver and has been outspoken in support of anti-racism campaigners.
Lewis Hamilton takes a knee with team mate Valtteri Bottas on the grid. Source: Press Association
He and 11 other drivers also took a knee before Sunday's race.
Mercedes are currently running their cars in black rather than the usual silver to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
"What we do moving forwards, I really don't know,” Hamilton said.
Lewis Hamilton after winning the Styrian Grand Prix Source: FIA
"Us taking a knee at the start of the race and having a black car doesn't solve the problem. It helps continue to raise awareness.
“But we have a whole season, a whole year and it's a constant fight that we all have to do, including you guys (the media). We can all chip in and do our part and have a positive impact on our environments."
Hamilton last month launched a commission to increase diversity in motorsport.
Formula One chairman Chase Carey has donated $1 million towards a diversity foundation, as has the FIA.
